Madras Day 2026: an old market in Mylapore puts on a brave front
Infrastructure development, specifically Metro Rail work, is altering the commercial landscape of Mylapore's Bazaar Road. While footfall has decreased due to traffic diversions, long-standing local businesses are relying on their established social capital to survive.
Why it matters
It illustrates the impact of large-scale urban infrastructure projects on traditional retail ecosystems and local community heritage.
At the point where Kutchery Road is “amputated” by Metro Rail work , two streets peel away in opposite directions. The workaday realities of these two streets, Devadi Street and Bazaar Road, are also on contrasting trajectories ever since this work took over a section of Kutchery Road shutting it down for regular traffic. Devadi Street has become overly industrious working indefatigably shoulder-to-shoulder with Nadu Street to funnel vehicular traffic from North Mada Street into Kutchery Road towards Santhome High Road. It also entertains wheels from Appu Street. While wheels have increased on Devadi Street, the footfall has simultaneously reduced on Bazaar Road.
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