Koyambedu junction a challenge to pedestrians

To cross this section, they have to wear a pleading expression and signal to motorists to stop

When there is only one or a couple of pedestrians, motorists don’t slow down for them. So, they generally cross the intersection in droves. Photo: K. Pichumani

As it has a defunct traffic signal and lacks a pedestrian crossing, the junction near CMBT in Koyambedu, on Jawaharlal Nehru Main Road, is posing a challenge to pedestrians.

“Pedestrians signal to the motorists to stop and then cross the junction. At hours when the traffic is lean, we just run from one end of the road to the other, after ensuring that the oncoming vehicles are still a comfortable distance away from the junction,” says K. Archana, a resident of Arumbakkam.

Motorists don’t slow down for a lone pedestrian. So, it’s common for pedestrians to wait and ensure there is a sufficient number of them before attempting to cross the intersection.

Residents say that ever since construction of the flyover in front of the CMBT, Koyambedu, began, the junction has become risky for both pedestrians and motorists. The flyover, which is estimated at ₹93.50 crore, has narrowed the the road near the junction.

Residents also point out that traffic police personnel could be found regulating traffic in front of CMBT as MTC buses enter and leave the terminus. But, at this junction, motorists and pedestrians are left to fend for themselves.

“We’ll do the needful and make the junction safe,” says a State Highways official.