Not a second goes by when a vehicle does not pass through the Green Circle. Constant flow of vehicles from numerous directions has turned the Green Circle not just a busy junction but also a dangerous one.
For pedestrians, crossing this junction is almost close to impossible, say regular road-users. Scores of vehicles including those taking the service lanes on either side of National Highways – 46 from Chennai, Bangalore direction, Katpadi towards Vellore and National Theatre junction pass through this junction.
“Traversing the Green Circle is difficult during peak hours. We have to find our way amidst buses and heavy vehicles. Speeding buses scare motorists like me,” said Ravi Kumar, a motorist.
There is one traffic signal at the side of the junction on the service leading to Sathuvachari. This regulates vehicles coming from the Ambur-Bangalore direction plying towards Chennai and from Katpadi.
Not pedestrian- friendly
Menaka, a pedestrian, said it was dangerous trying to cross the junction at any point. “Vehicles come non-stop from various sides of the circle. It takes several minutes to cross the junction,” she said.
Adding to the woes are buses and autos that stop to pick up passengers near Hotel Durga Bhavan.
A traffic police man said following representations by private bus owners association, a bus stop was created on a trial basis.
“But these buses stop haphazardly, obstructing traffic. Home guards are involved in regulating traffic. But they are not present all the time. We need personnel round-the-clock,” Kuppan, who works at an outlet near the junction, said.
A policeman suggested that installing and operating traffic signals at two spots – near GRT Hotel and another one at the end of the stretch from National Theatre junction – will help regulate traffic flow.
Two-wheelers and four-wheelers plying towards Katpadi can be diverted to the road adjoining National Theatre and reach the service lane of NH.
Heavy vehicles
In addition, heavy vehicles, especially container lorries, travel through the junction during peak hours. “Many of these vehicles travel from Chennai via Vellore to Chittoor to reach northern parts of the country.
They too ply via Green Circle. These vehicles should not be allowed during peak hours and a different route should be outlined,” he added.
P.K. Senthilkumari, Superintendent of Police, Vellore said the police department had asked VIT University to take up a study on de-congesting Green Circle.
“A special team had studied the situation and submitted a report last Friday. They have come up with suggestions including shifting of the bus stand near Hotel GRT and widening of roads. We will discuss the study report during the law and order meeting with Collector today,” she said.
