Defunct traffic signals and absense of traffic police personnel has made the Mangadu junction accident-prone. Reportedly, on an average, two accidents occur at the junction every week.“During rush hour, motorists tend to drive fast while crossing the junction. So, peramanent deployment of traffic police personnel at the junction is required,” says S. Murugan, a motorist from Poonamallee. Interestingly, traffic police personnel could be seen regulating traffic at the tri-junction which is 100 metres from Mangadu junction.
The tri-junction is wide and better-illuminated and therefore, relatively safe. Commuters say deployment of traffic police personnel is not necessary at the tri-junction.
Motorists are at greater risk for accidents at Mangadu junction.
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There are other factors adding to the chaos at the junction; they include the presence of shops encroaching upon a portion of the road around the junction. So, the intersection has became narrow over the past few years. Moreover, the old sodium vapour lamps on this section are burning dim. Motorists rely largely on the headlights of their vehicles. Also, cattle can be found straying near the junction.
An MTC bus stop located near the junction has to be shifted out.
Mangadu junction is key space linking Mount-Poonamalle High Road with the 5-km-long Kundranthur -Poonamalle Main Road, which is maintained by the Sriperambadur sub-division (Chengelpattu division) of the State Highways Department.
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Farmers from Padapai Panchayat Union which consists of 42 villages in Kancheepuram district also pass through this junction to sell their farm produce at markets in Kundrathur and Poonamallee.
Also, the junction is the shortest route for those wanting to reach the Bangalore Highway (NH:04) via Kundrathur and Poonamallee.
“Steps will be taken to ease the traffic congestion at Mangadu junction,” say police sources.