Chaotic traffic on Thennur High Road raise safety concerns

Unregulated movement of vehicles and roadside encroachments on Thennur High Road in Tiruchi are causing frequent traffic snarls, raising serious safety concerns among road users.

Thennur High Road, a vital stretch connecting Thillai Nagar to Vayalur Road and neighbouring areas, is increasingly turning into a traffic nightmare due to persistent on-road parking. The road, a narrow two-way stretch, is frequently congested, especially during peak hours. Encroachments on pedestrian platforms further add to the woes.

“The problem persists throughout the day, particularly during the morning and evening hours. Motorists are forced to cross the road with extreme caution as vehicles approach from all directions. Speeding vehicles from the crossroads pose a significant danger to road users,” said T. Krishnakumar, a motorist.

With vehicles parked haphazardly along both sides of the road, the effective width is significantly reduced, resulting in bottlenecks. The issue is particularly severe near commercial establishments, hospitals, and schools, where there is a high volume of daily visitors.

“Ambulances find it difficult to pass through during emergencies. The road is often jammed, especially in the evenings. It becomes chaotic and challenging to navigate,” said M. Raju, a road user.

Auto-rickshaws and delivery vehicles also contribute to the congestion by stopping mid-road for passenger pick-ups and parcel drop-offs. The junction of Thennur High Road and Thillai Nagar Main Road is another trouble spot, often witnessing heavy traffic snarls with vehicles criss-crossing in all directions.

Residents and civic activists have called on authorities to implement stricter parking regulations and improve traffic management to restore order. “The authorities should come up with a solution to regulate traffic and check violations to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles on major roads,” said N. Jamaludeen, a civic activist.

When contacted, a senior traffic official said that personnel would be deployed at key junctions along the stretch to regulate traffic. Vehicles parked illegally on the road would be penalised.