The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to extend the length of truck parking bay on the northern portion of the Inner Ring Road from Madhavaram to Manjampakkam.
A minimum of 200 trailers can be parked in this space.
“We want to reduce the number of trailers being parked on that road. The 10.5 m-wide bay will run for a length of one kilometre more on either side. It was initially planned to be only 500 m longer but we extended this considering requests from residents, trailer operators and suggestions from the police,” said a source from the NHAI.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chennai Thuraimuga AITUC Tractor Trailer Articulated Drivers Cleaners and Thozhilalar Sangam president M. Sampath, who welcomed the step, said that the State government, NHAI and Chennai Port Trust could consider provision of wayside amenities including toilets and drinking water facilities for trailer drivers along these four roads. “As of now, only the parking yard at Tiruvottiyur will have such facilities. These could be extended to a few more spots,” he suggested.
The NHAI is considering requests for additional lanes on the Manali Oil Refinery Road. “At present, trailers are always parked on this road. The NHAI should consider dedicated lanes for trailers. Also, the other three roads in EMRIP have six lanes and this move help improve traffic flow,” said S. Koteeswaran, president nominee of Rotary Club of Manali New Town.