The intersection of Church Road and Pari Road has become extremely accident-prone. Factors contributing to this situation include lack of traffic signals, a narrow junction and lack of safety features such as speed breakers and illumination. The risk of accidents increases considerably during rush hour.
Every day, hundreds of motorists from Mogappair, Nolambur, Ambattur, Padi, Mannurpet, Ayapakkam use the junction as a shortcut to reach Poonamallee High Road via Maduravoyal.
Some even take this stretch to reach Arcot Road and Alapallam Main Road. The junction is part of the route taken by many buses originating at East and West Mogappair bus termini.
“During rush hour, the junction is chaotic as it does not have police personnel to regulate traffic. As the junction is narrow, everyone tries to cross the spot quickly, further adding to the congestion and risk of accidents,” said V. Ramani, a long-time resident of Mogappair.
Incidentally, the bus terminus in East Mogappair is located near the junction, with a police booth located at its entrance. Residents and traders from the neighbourhood pointed out that the booth remained closed for several days as policemen did not visit the facility on a daily basis.
Instead, they prefer waiting for the patrol vehicles before heading to another location for their routine rounds.
Therefore, without any police presence, pedestrians are scared of crossing the junction due to continuous flow of vehicles, including MTC buses.
As if that weren’t enough, delay in shifting the 110 KV transformer on the Church Road has compounded the traffic situation, as the Church Road has been made a one-way, allowing motorists from both directions to use only one portion of the stretch.
“Many prominent schools are located on Ambattur Industrial Estate Main Road ans this junction provides connectivity to these educational institutions. The junction also helps us reach both Anna Nagar and Maduravoyal quickly,” said K. Raman, a motorist from Mogappair.
The Chennai Corporation officials said that the junction cannot be widened as there was little space for any expansion.
However, they said efforts would be taken to install reflectors, speed breakers and LED street lights.
“Police can also help save lives by regulating traffic at least during rush hour,” said Corporation officials.
