Chennai: The traffic congestion at the busy intersection of Royapettah High Road, Avvai Shanmugam Salai and Masilamani Road is getting worse day-by-day and motorists say that lack of traffic signals and poor traffic regulation contributes mainly to the plight.
The intersection which is used by the people to get to places like Mylapore and Anna Salai sees heavy traffic throughout the day. Many schools and commercial establishments are located around the area and it is also an important bus route. Crossing the place is usually an ordeal but people say that at least better regulation can help ease the situation.
Speaking about it, Sekhar, a motorist says, “There are actually two intersections in the stretch. One is where Masilamani road intersects with Royapettah High road before joining with Avvai Shanmugam Road and the other is the intersection between Avvai Shanmugam Road and Royapettah High Road. It has become an ordeal every day to pass through this junction especially during the peak hours in the mornings and evenings as vehicles coming from Royapettah High Road and Avvai Shanmugam Road never stops at this junction for others to pass first. There is always a commotion here and due to poor regulation it has also become a dangerous accident-prone zone.”
Royapettah Police station is located close to the junction and people also point out that a police booth is set up at the intersection however they say there is no traffic police deployed to regulate traffic.
“For many residents living nearby everyday, it is a tough task to pass through this junction. Since there are many shops in the locality, vehicles are parked on the pavement leaving no place for pedestrians to walk. Also, at the junction vehicles come from all directions making it difficult for pedestrians. Traffic police must be there at all times and also a traffic signal must be kept here so that there is no chaos here,” says Ashok, a resident of the area. Some have also taken up the issue to the authorities concerned but it was of no avail they say.