Srirangam residents pitch for strengthening Panchakarai Road

Given the increasing traffic congestion in Srirangam, a section of residents have mooted the development of Panchakarai Road along the banks of Kollidam River as an alternative road in the island town.

Panchakarai Road, branching off Tiruchi-Chennai Trunk Road near Kollidam check post, should be strengthened and developed up to the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory, an important leisure attraction at Melur in the city, they say.

The road was strengthened up to the point leading to Vadakku Vasal on the rear side of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple a few years ago, especially after helipads were built on the banks of the Kollidam ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Srirangam.

However, beyond that point it remains a ‘single lane’ poorly-lit road dotted with potholes. Residents also complain of indiscriminate dumping and burning of garbage along the road.

With the recent consecration of Sanjeevana Anjaneyar Temple, featuring a 37-foot-high stone idol of Lord Anjaneya, the road has been attracting substantial traffic. “But as it is a single road with heavy wild growth on the edges, devotees arriving in cars often face hardship as two vehicles cannot cross each other on the section,” observed R. Bharadan, a resident of Srirangam.

If it is developed, it will be useful and can serve as an alternative exit route for vehicles coming to Srirangam temple via Ashram Road, Salai Road and Panchakarai Road, he added.

“It is true that visitors using the road to reach the Anjaneyar Temple face much difficulty. If the road, which is just a 4-5 km stretch, is strengthened it could become an alternative route to reach the butterfly conservatory at Melur too. Tiruchi Corporation should accord priority to improving such basic amenities before going in for river front development projects,” said Suresh Venkatachalam, president, Srirangam Nagara Nala Sangam.