Until recently, the open space beneath the road over bridge at Palakkarai had been a favourite haunt of anti-social elements. Thanks to the initiative of the Tiruchi Corporation, the public space has been transformed into a protected public park-cum-walking track.
Concrete slabs, which are walker-friendly, have been laid for 134 meter from Bheema Nagar to Palakkarai. In order to prevent misuse of the space, the entire stretch has been protected with iron grills. Similarly, pillars of the ROB have been beautified with attractive paintings.
Besides a fountain, 35 LED lights have been fixed to illuminate the area during dark hours, thereby preventing anti-social elements from camping there. As a part of the beautification, 2,837 flowering plants have been planted along the walking track. Besides, a vertical garden has been created around two pillars.
Commissioner of Municipal Administration G. Prakash inaugurated the park-cum-walking track on Wednesday. He instructed the Corporation officials to explore the possibilities of turning open space beneath other bridges in the city into public parks.
Corporation Commissioner N. Ravichandran said that ₹35 lakh had been spent for the project. Security guards would be posted to ensure better utilisation of the park, he added.