Bottlenecks persist on Radha Nagar Main Road despite new subway

Illegal parking, encroachments and lack of traffic regulation slow movement at key junctions; police say action will be taken and patrol stepped up

It has been nearly two months since the inauguration of the Radha Nagar subway in Chromepet, which finally replaced Level Crossing 27 after nearly two decades of demand and eliminated long waits for motorists. The subway, which runs along Radha Nagar Main Road for more than 2 km, serves as a crucial link connecting GST Road with localities such as Nemilichery, Nanmangalam and Kurinji Nagar.

Soon after its launch in January, The Hindu’s Downtown had reported that the facility largely improved traffic flow for motorists, barring a few minor issues.

However, two months on, commuters say traffic bottlenecks have surfaced at a few points along Radha Nagar Main Road. While the flow of vehicles from GST Road through the subway remains smooth up to the stretch near Canara Bank, congestion begins soon after that at certain locations.

Customers outside eateries occupy space along Radha Nagar Main Road near the Bharathi Street junction in Chromepet, narrowing the carriageway and slowing traffic. | Photo Credit: T. Arvind

Encroachments narrow stretch

Motorists say the first bottleneck occurs soon after the Rajaji Road junction, where illegal parking and encroachments in front of eateries slow down traffic.