Frequent traffic snarls near Chathiram bus stand irk motorists

Frequent traffic snarls and violations on the stretch between Karur Bypass and Chathiram bus stand in Tiruchi have raised safety concerns among road users

Frequent traffic snarls and violations on the stretch between Karur Bypass and Chathiram bus stand in Tiruchi have raised safety concerns among road users.

As the overbridge near the Maris cinema on Fort Station Road has been closed to traffic to facilitate the construction of a new bridge, buses and other vehicles have been diverted to Karur Bypass, causing an increase in vehicular movement on the stretch.

Ever since the bridge has been closed, the stretch between Kalaingar Arivalayam and Chathiram bus stand has been heavily congested and hindering the free flow of vehicular movement. Motorists complain that it takes around 20 minutes to navigate the 250-metre stretch.

With the road being a crucial link between the two commercial hubs — Main Guard Gate and Thillai Nagar-Sastri Road — traffic snarls turn acute during peak hours and parking of vehicles on either side of the road, which house many commercial establishments, add to the woes of the public.

“There is a long pile up of vehicles on the entire stretch of the road, which has turned into a hotspot of traffic congestion. Commuting has become a daunting task, especially during peak hours,” said N. Veerarajan, a road user.

Traffic violations such as roadside parking and one-way violations go unchecked. Motorists, instead of going around the Kamaraj statue roundabout, often tend to drive on the wrong side to reach the Chathiram bus stand. Haphazard parking of omnibuses and encroachments by vendors reduce the space for vehicles on the carriageway.

Considering the sharp increase in the number of vehicles plying on the road, motorists say the police should come up with a solution to ensure free flow of vehicles and regulate the traffic around the bus stand.