T. Nagar, the bustling shopping hub, has become more of a maze than usual after traffic diversions were implemented earlier this week to enable strengthening work on Kodambakkam bridge.
Many commuters complain of getting stuck in the heavy traffic during rush hour in the morning and evening. And, with motorists confused, traffic policemen’s stress levels have shot up while managing the jams.
The month-long traffic diversions were implemented by the traffic police on November 17 to help the Chennai Corporation carry out repair work on the bridge. “On Tuesday, around 6.30 p.m., I had to wait for nearly an hour on Bazullah Road to reach Rangarajapuram flyover. By the time I reached Vadapalani, it was 8 p.m. I am used to this, but the passenger, who was feeling sick, had a harrowing time,” says D.K. Trilokachandar, an autorickshaw driver.
From November 17, only light-weight vehicles have been allowed on one side of the bridge towards Valluvar Kottam. The other half has been closed for strengthening work. Vehicles from Valluvar Kottam, heading towards Vadapalani, are diverted towards Thirumalaipillai Road via Bazullah Road junction, Rangarajapuram flyover, Chakarapani Street, Five Lights Junction and Vishwanathapuram Main Road to reach Liberty Junction.
Vehicles from North Usman Road heading towards Vadapalani have to use the Rangarajapuram flyover to reach Liberty Junction. “The logjam is usually centred on Bazullah Road. This is because the Rangarajapuram flyover is very narrow,” said M. Anbarasu, who runs a shop on North Usman Road.
Over 40 traffic police constables and armed reserve personnel have been deployed to guide motorists. “The entire traffic that piles up on Kodambakkam Bridge is now on the roads. The situation is aggravated by the haphazard parking,” said a traffic police constable.
Meanwhile, the impact of the diversions is also felt on Mambalam High Road. “From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., traffic is very slow. It now takes more than half-an-hour to reach Doraisamy subway. Earlier, it used to take only ten minutes,” said V. Mathialagan, a resident of R.P. Garden near Rangarajapuram subway.
Residents say they fear travelling to T. Nagar. “I decided not to shop at T. Nagar for my cousin’s wedding. The police should put up large boards displaying the diversion routes,” said P. Thilagaraj, a resident of Chetpet.
