Pondy Bazaar study shows ₹66.6 lakh annual revenue from organised parking, 89% women feel safer on ‘Healthy Streets’
A recent study by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India has highlighted the economic and social benefits of street redesign projects across the country. The study, titled “The Healthy Street Dividend,” analysed 10 cities and surveyed over 3,000 respondents to assess the impact of transforming streets into pedestrian-friendly spaces.
According to the study, Pondy Bazaar in Chennai generates ₹66.6 lakh annually through organised parking alone. Shopkeepers on streets that underwent redesign reported an average increase of ₹4.37 lakh in annual turnover. Commercial properties along these streets saw value premiums ranging from 10% to over 60%.
The findings also indicate that 73% of shopkeepers experienced increased profits due to higher foot traffic, with some reporting a 50.6% rise in sales. In terms of safety, 89% of women reported feeling safer on these redesigned streets. Pedestrian activity increased across all age groups, and particulate pollution levels were 22% to 23% lower compared to non-redesigned streets. Footpaths were also significantly cooler due to improved shading and design interventions.
Ashwathy Dilip, Managing Director of ITDP India, stated on social media, “Many of the Healthy Streets in the study have evolved into vibrant public spaces where people walk, meet, play, and spend time together. That’s the true value of people-first streets: they bring cities to life.” She added, “If anyone is questioned about the cost of investing in a street, we hope this resource helps them speak about the full value that Healthy Streets create, economic, social, environmental, and fiscal.” She expressed hope that “in the not-too-distant future, people-first streets will become the norm rather than the exception.”
The study underscores that well-designed streets can generate recurring revenue for urban local bodies while improving business activity, safety, and environmental conditions.
