A lorry toppled over near a Metro Rail construction site in Nandanam late on Monday night, as part of the road had caved in. No one was injured in the incident.
Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) officials however said, the condition of Anna Salai, near the Nandanam signal, where construction is presently on, had not been caused due to Metro work.
“We understand that road space has shrunk, but we have taken steps to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. As per the advice of the city traffic police, we have deployed our workers at all important roads and junctions to regulate traffic. Also, we have managed to provide 1.5 metres of space for the benefit of pedestrians,” said a CMRL official.
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However, residents and experts have called into question the safety of pedestrians and motorists near Metro Rail sites.
“Pedestrians need at least 2 metres of space near construction sites, and CMRL should also take adequate precautions for the security of the motorists, said Roshan Toshniwal of NGO Transparent Chennai.
“Some stretches in Anna Nagar and Anna Salai have become very narrow due to the construction work. As a result, pedestrians are more vulnerable when they are walking here. Also, speed-breakers are needed to slow down motorists and traffic has to be regulated properly near these sites,” he added.
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K. Ashok, an electrician who commutes regularly on Poonamallee High Road, said, “Sometimes, cars try to overtake motorcycles on narrow roads and I have fallen twice. If there is better traffic regulation, it would be more convenient for road users.”