Taking the Vadapalani section of Arcot Road can be a daunting task for both motorists and pedestrians. Ridden with traffic, the stretch presence a challenge to them. Pedestrians, especially senior citizens, suffer more than motorists. Up to Saligramam signal the stretch has no pavements or has pavements that have been it is taken over by encroachments. Walkers are invariably seen walking on the carriageway. This in turn hinders free movement of traffic.
“There is no regular footpath and whatever remains is broken or occupied by encroachers. Also, vehicles, both two and four-wheelers, are parked on the road margins making it impossible for pedestrians to walk,” says Srinivasa Ramanan, a senior citizen and resident of Vadapalani.
Also, this portion of the 12-km long Arcot Road has no zebra crossings. “Despite the presence of traffic personnel, pedestrians often have to dodge vehicles to cross over. Maximum traffic violations happen in front of the police outpost, with two-wheelers freely going in the wrong direction,” he adds.
“The entire stretch, from Sooriya Hospital to the Vadapalani junction near Metro Railway Station, sees heavy traffic movement through the day. Those coming from Vadapalani bus terminal, from Vijay Hospital and the Forum mall can not walk on the so called pavements. To avoid waiting for the traffic to clear, motorcyclists ride on footpaths wherever available. Adding to this, road-side eateries, shoe repair shops, and other small-time vendors have totally usurped the available pedestrian space. Senior citizens like me fear to walk here,” says C.S. Ramani.
Another resident Ramakrishnan says it is high time a good footpath is laid in the neighbourhood. “Unless the encroachments are removed and the road widened, the problems faced by both pedestrians and motorists cannot be addressed.”
