Bid to ease traffic congestion backfires

Lack of signage leads to chaos at Pantheon Road junction

With the aim of easing traffic congestion in the Pantheon Road junction, the Chennai Corporation removed the Si. Pa. Adithanar statue in the last week of May.

However, in the absence of proper signage, motorists, especially those who are unfamiliar with the area, are at their wits end over the barricades installed by the traffic police and have difficulty navigating the roundabouts. The civic body is planning to make the three roundabouts into a single peanut-shaped one.

An estimated 10,000 vehicles pass through the junction from Pantheon Road, Police Commissioner office Road, Rukmani Lakshimipathy Road and Adithanar Road.

‘Harrowing experience’

“As the signage is not visible enough for most motorists while negotiating the roundabouts, it becomes a free for all,” A. Francis, a long-time resident of the area, said. “Crossing the junction by foot is a harrowing experience,” he added.

“Traffic has become uncontrollable during peak hour. The authorities should restore the old system,” said M. Rajesh Babu, another resident.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Elangovan told The Hindu , “The Chennai Corporation is working to introduce a proper system. We have installed iron barricades to make island-like structures in the middle of the junction. Our personnel are also consistently regulating the traffic.”