Efforts to ease traffic congestion in parts of K.K. Nagar have only worsened the situation after Ramasamy Salai and Lakshmanasamy Salai were recently made one-way, complained residents.
The two roads are an important link for residents of K.K. Nagar and M.G.R. Nagar. Many people from other areas like Virugambakkam, Nesapakkam, Alwarthiru Nagar and Vadapalani take these roads to reach other parts of K.K. Nagar. However, with the one-way traffic introduced recently, residents of various neighbouring streets from 4{+t}{+h}to 12{+t}{+h}sectors have to take a detour of 3 km.
Schoolgoers suffer
As the roads have four schools in the vicinity, several schoolgoers too find it tough to negotiate these roads clogged with traffic. Residents recently participated in a signature campaign seeking two-way traffic to be allowed on Ramasamy Salai and Lakshmanasamy Salai and reduction of the footpath width.
N.S. Kumar, a resident of 7{+t}{+h}Sector said the footpaths, which were widened occupying half the width of the 40-feet roads, were used only as parking space. “People are hardly able to use the footpath. As the footpath is constructed at the same level of the road, motorists find it easy to violate rules and escape traffic congestion,” he said.
Residents recalled that the footpath was widened about six months ago to create a cycle track. People have to travel to Anna Main Road or through Ramasamy Salai and Munusamy Salai to reach other parts of K.K. Nagar because of the one-way traffic system.
G. Selva, Virugambakkam CPI (M) secretary, said despite protests, the footpath was widened. “They are neither suitable for cycle track nor pedestrian-friendly. Public consultation must be organised by the authorities concerned before executing such initiatives. We have submitted a petition with signatures of over 900 residents to the Chennai Corporation and the Traffic Department,” he said.
