The four-lane projects executed by the National Highways Authority of India on highways around the city have come as boon to motorists. Flyovers and grade separators have contributed to reducing traffic congestion on some of the arterial roads. However, traffic islands created as part of the project in some places have been languishing without proper maintenance over the past few years. A case in point is the traffic island at the Mannarpuram Junction from where the Tiruchi-Madurai national highway stretch has been widened and converted into a four-lane road. The multiple traffic islands beneath the flyover at Mannarpuram have become a refuge for vagabonds and stray cattle. Motorists feel that a huge lung space in the heart of the city could be better utilised to increase the green cover in the city. “It is regrettable that such a big public space is lying in neglect. The NHAI, in coordination with the City Corporation or donors, could take up a beautification drive. Landscaping and a couple of artificial decorative fountains could give a facelift to the spot,” said R.Gopal, a resident of K.K.Nagar in the city.
N. Ramakrishnan, founder, MGR Nalpani Mandram, suggests that the statues of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, currently installed near the Railway Junction, and former Chief Minister M.G.Ramachandran installed near the Cantonment could be shifted to the traffic islands at Mannarpuram. Mr. Ramakrishnan, who had already sent representations to the authorities on his plea, said both the statues were currently situated in cramped traffic islands.
