~ Samarth Krishna Kanakasubramaniam
Thirumangalam. Mid-city location. Metro station. Development pressure intensifying. But transformation without planning is creating traffic congestion, housing unaffordability, infrastructure strain, and loss of community character.
👉 Thirumangalam's metro connectivity is a blessing and curse—development boom without planning is destroying the neighborhood it's supposed to serve.
🚇 Metro-Driven Development Pressure
Metro station location is driving rapid development.
Property values skyrocketing
High-rise construction intensifying
Commercial development expanding
Long-term residents being priced out
Community character changing rapidly
The consequence: Metro access creates opportunity but also displacement. Development benefits newcomers while harming existing community.
🚗 Traffic Congestion Despite Metro
Despite metro connectivity, traffic is worsening.
Development increasing vehicle numbers
Roads inadequate for density
Parking insufficient
Last-mile connectivity from metro poor
Congestion at metro station area
The irony: Metro meant to reduce traffic, but development around it creates more congestion.
🏠 Housing Affordability Crisis
Rising property values are displacing residents.
Rents increasing 30-40% annually
Middle-income families can't afford to stay
Communities scattering
Socioeconomic diversity declining
Gentrification accelerating
The tragedy: Long-term residents who built the community are being forced out by "development."
🏗️ Infrastructure Strain
Population increase is overwhelming services.
Water supply insufficient for new developments
Sewage systems at capacity
Electricity demand exceeding supply
Drainage inadequate during monsoons
Roads deteriorating from use
✅ What Thirumangalam Needs
Development Control: Regulations protecting community character, affordable housing quotas in new developments, community participation in planning, rent control policies.
Transit-Oriented Development: High-density near metro station, last-mile connectivity improved, pedestrian infrastructure, cycling facilities, reduced parking requirements.
Infrastructure Investment: Water and sewage upgraded before further development approved, roads improved, drainage systems enhanced.
Community Protection: Long-term resident protections, affordable housing preservation, community land trusts, tenant rights enforcement.
Balanced Growth: Mix of residential and commercial maintaining livability, green space requirements, community spaces protected.
🚀 Metro Should Benefit Everyone
Thirumangalam's metro station should improve life for existing residents, not displace them. Development must be managed to benefit the community, not just developers.
