Many two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking bays along Elliot’s Promenade near Besant Nagar beach were occupied by vendors, food trucks and autorickshaws, leaving visitors struggling to find space, especially on weekends. With no fee collection or regulatory presence, vehicles were also parked on pavements, visitors said.
Sudeep, a visitor, said several bays were taken over by autorickshaws despite a designated auto stand on 27th Cross Street. He said a few bays had been barricaded, but small vendors had occupied them. “There was nobody billing or monitoring the parking on Sunday, so two-wheelers were parked on the pavement. Vendors set up close to a litter-free zone, and garbage was strewn around. Pedestrians had to watch their step,” he said.
Sathish Kumar, a person with disability, said he had visited the beach two months ago, but the situation unchanged now. “At Marina beach, this issue was resolved after continuous follow-up,” he said.
A Greater Chennai Corporation official of the Adyar Zone (XIII) said he would check the status of the paid parking contract and reports of no fee collection. He said shops squatting illegally would be cleared with the help of the traffic police, who also levy penalties for vehicles parked on pavements.
Published – November 25, 2025 12:48 am IST
