The dark side of Loop Road

Poor illumination and powerful headlights from oncoming vehicles make riding down this stretch at night a matter of adventure

Poor visibility has led to minor accidents on Loop Road. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan

Vinod was riding down Loop Road, on his Royal Enfield Bullet, towards Foreshore Estate, when an oncoming car blinded him with a flash of its high beam headlights.

Unable to see, the 31-year-old motorcyclist slammed on the brakes. He had barely missed crashing into the car.

Due to low visibility, such incidents have become commonplace on the stretch.

After sunset, with its non-functioning street lights, Loop Road is a nightmare for road users.

Vehicles, particularly four-wheelers using high beams, pose a challenge to motorcyclists and pedestrians.

“Minor accidents have become common on the stretch due to poor illumination,” says Thomas Benjamin, a fisherman and a resident of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar. Despite several complaints, the authorities concerned have not taken any action to address the issue, says residents.

Road-users also complain about buses being parked by the side of road preventing smooth flow of vehicular traffic.

They also block the view of motorists coming from the opposite direction. As the road is narrow, pedestrians are forced to walk in the middle of the road.

Tipplers are said to take advantages of the darkness, stopping motorcyclists and asking them for a lift.

Motorists want the street lights to be provided along the stretch at the earliest.