The inordinate delay over the completion of M.G.R. statue roundabout on Bharathidasan road has caused concern among the residents of the city and road users.
It was in January, the Tiruchi City Corporation introduced a few changes near the M.G.R statue by demolishing a portion of median to construct a new roundabout so as to remove the traffic bottlenecks.
The opening of Anna Nagar link road connecting Bharathidasan road had necessitated the civic body to construct a roundabout so as to ensure smooth flow of traffic from all four roads. Subsequently, the traffic signal was also removed after earmarking land for the roundabout.
However, the earmarking of big circle for constructing roundabout by keeping the MGR statue intact at the same spot drew criticism from the road users, who were of the view that it was unnecessary to apportion a huge space at a critical location.
Following this, the Corporation with the support of Tangedco removed the high mast lamp and widened the roads to ease traffic congestion.
Though the steps of the Corporation improved traffic flow to an extent, road users originating from Anna Nagar could not fully enjoy the benefit of opening the link road till now.
While there is no problem for those, who want to join Bharathidasan road from Anna Nagar, others have to take a circuit route to join Lawsons Road or Puthur Main road reportedly due to the indecision of the civic body in finalizing the construction and beautification of MGR statue roundabout.
The issue has topped the agenda of the District Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held in the city over the last few months. Majority members and civil activists are of the view that installing traffic signal by removing a small portion of roundabout is the best to find an easy solution.
A member, who attended the traffic committee meeting, said that the MGR statue could be retained at the same spot.
Removal of small portion would straighten the Anna Nagar link road with Lawsons road. Though the officials had promised to find a solution on the line, it had not been implemented till now.
Official sources said that the roundabout was formed based on the design of the Highways.
Since the Corporation had received a few suggestions from the civil society groups, it had written to the Highways seeking its opinion. A decision would be taken soon.
