There has been an inordinate delay in starting work on the foot over bridge (FOB) with escalators in front of D.G. Vaishnav College on Poonamallee High Road in Arumbakkam. As a result, students and pedestrians, who cross the busy stretch every day, continue to be at risk. The FOB at P.H. Road, which is maintained by the state highways department, is one of seven similar facilities planned at various places in the city at a cost of Rs. 28 crore and being executed by the department. “It’s difficult to cross the stretch, especially during the closing hours of the college, as the pathway on the median is too small for the number of people who cross it,” said A. Sagunthala, a resident of Thirumangalam.
At present, a traffic policeman has been posted to regulate the pedestrian crossing in front of the college, especially during the rush hour.
However, whenever traffic halts for a few minutes at this place, a huge traffic snarl follows along the route with hundreds of vehicles lining up. Unlike the other vital stretches in the city, including Anna Salai and Kodambakkam Main Road, PH Road gets all kinds of vehicles including container lorries and trailers.
Though such heavy vehicles from neighbouring Sriperamburdur industrial belt are not allowed between 8 a.m and 11 p.m into the city, PH Road is a busy stretch round the clock. “We will soon start the work on the FOB,” said a state highways official.
