Anna Nagar residents seek lasting solution to traffic congestion

Roads in Anna Nagar are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, even on weekdays. Traffic congestion is particularly severe around St. Luke’s Church, Blue Star signal, and the entire stretch up to the Thirumangalam junction. Even after 10 p.m. on weekends, traffic remains bumper to bumper, with motorists waiting several minutes to cross the junction.

Long-time residents blame the congestion on popular retail brands and commercial complexes that lack adequate parking facilities. They allege that security guards direct customers to park on the roadside, obstructing traffic.

“Pedestrian plazas, too, are often occupied by two-wheelers belonging to shop staff and visitors from morning until around 9 p.m. on weekdays. And on weekends, the traffic worsens because several youngsters set up stalls along the road,” S. Amarnath, a resident of Anna Nagar, said.

“Every time there is a complaint the government immediately removes all the small stalls (which are set up during weekends) and don’t look at long-term solutions. The actual problems are created by the bigger shops, not the pushcarts,” Hemalatha added.

During weekends, many young entrepreneurs run stalls here. There are students, especially IAS aspirants, trying to earn money to pay their fees. Some are single mothers who sell snacks or homemade food so they could educate their children. Residents agree that these weekend earnings are a lifeline to many and they don’t deserve eviction. “The government should create an ecosystem where livelihoods and public convenience can coexist,” they said. A regulated vending policy, designated spaces for weekend vendors, and organised paid parking (similar to Pondy Bazaar) could go a long way in easing congestion, they added.

A section of residents of Anna Nagar Fifth Avenue and adjoining streets, including those living around Anna Nagar Tower Park, has raised concern over worsening weekend traffic congestion. They attributed the traffic snarls to the growing number of pushcarts and street vendors occupying the roadsides. They also complained that food trucks and roadside stalls leave behind large quantities of garbage and plastic waste.

Despite the police deploying barricades and closely monitoring the area, dangerous stunt riding by youngsters continues to be a growing concern. Groups of young riders are often seen performing wheelies and speeding through crowded roads on weekends. Residents said they also use narrow lanes behind the food streets for such reckless riding. They suggested that the new government study the area’s traffic and come out with a plan, and that vendors be given space for their businesses without disturbing the traffic.

A senior traffic police officer, who is in-charge of this zone, said: “We are constantly monitoring this area. Police have also removed vehicles parked in unauthorised zones from time to time. Barricades have also been put up to ensure there is no rash driving during nights.”