Motorists seek roundabout at Erode Outer Ring Road–Dharapuram Road junction

With vehicle movement at the intersection of the Erode Outer Ring Road and Dharapuram Road frequently turning chaotic, motorists have urged the authorities to construct a roundabout to ensure smoother traffic flow.

The Outer Ring Road connects Kokkarayanpettai in Namakkal district with Thindal in Erode district and links with Erode–Perundurai Road. Traffic on this stretch has been steadily increasing, as vehicles can bypass the city to access Perundurai Road. Lorries, buses, vehicles belonging to educational institutions, and both heavy and light motor vehicles use the road regularly, making it one of the busiest stretches in the city.

Similarly, vehicular movement towards Arachalur via Dharapuram Road remains consistently high. At the intersection, vehicles approach and move in eight directions, often resulting in confusion and congestion. In the absence of traffic signals or traffic police, motorists cross the junction at will, leading to frequent near-misses and disorder.

“The intersection is turning dangerous, particularly during peak hours,” said V. Kamal of Mullamparappu. He added that constructing a roundabout was the only effective solution, as it would reduce vehicle speeds and regulate movement from all directions.

Traffic volume increases sharply during the marriage season, when congestion becomes unavoidable. “The intersection has turned into a nightmare for motorists,” said a school teacher, noting that vehicles from eight directions converge at the junction at the same time, making it risky to cross.

Motorists also pointed out that during night hours the situation becomes even more dangerous, as many vehicles speed through the junction.