Weekday or weekend, there is one constant at Anna Street in Thiruvanmiyur. Traffic does not ease until the late hours of the day.
Prasanna Subbarao, a long-time resident, says “I live on this street for 18 years and I have been noticing a gradual increase in the traffic here. Anna Street, though narrow, connects Thiruvanmiyur with Besant Nagar and Adyar. Many prefer to take this stretch as it enables them to bypass the Thiruvanmiyur signal.” Moreover, there are no foot paths. People are forced to walk on the road, says Prasanna Subbarao
There are many important institutions on the street including Kalakshetra Foundation, Paampan Swamigal Temple, a church and a few educational institutions. They make the street a happening place. On the flip side, they make it chaotic brining in a lot of traffic. Another resident A. Swaminathan, who regularly takes this street, says, “Often events and exhibitions are organised at Kalakshetra Foundation, which attracts a lot of visitors. Similarly, during auspicious days, many come to Pampal Swamigal Temple.”
Moreover, many prefer to take this street to reach Aarupadai Murugan Temple and Ashtalakshmi Temple in Besant Nagar. Even during the weekends, the street is congested as people come to Elliots Beach, says Swaminathan.
He says recent developments on East Coast Road could be a reason for such heavy vehicular traffic on the street. Swaminathan also points out that parked vehicles eat into the road space.
Priya, another resident, says “At times, waste bins could be seen almost in the middle of the road with garbage spilt outside.”
Prasanna Subbarao suggests that if this stretch is made one-way, it will ease the traffic congestion.
