CHENNAI: The East Coast Road (ECR), one of Chennai’s most hyped stretches connecting the city to Kovalam, Mahabalipuram, and other coastal destinations, is becoming unsafe for commuters due to the unchecked movement of cattle, especially during peak hours.

Cattle walking freely between fast moving vehicles has created serious safety concerns and increased the risk of accidents. Road-widening works add to the problem as they further slow down traffic.

ECR is a vital corridor that connects Tiruvanmiyur with suburban localities including Palavakkam and Kottivakkam. At the Palavakkam traffic signal, commuters often see cows and buffaloes roaming on the road during peak hours.

Kumaran, a Palavakkam resident, said, “The cattle are not stray; they belong to private owners who fail to provide proper shelter or care. This negligence puts road users at risk. The Corporation must act before a major accident occurs.”

The concern gained urgency in the wake of a recent incident near Guduvanchery, where two people were killed and three others injured after stray cattle triggered a vehicle crash.

Speaking to DT Next, zonal officer said, “A goshala (cattle shelter) for Perungudi (zone 14) is under construction and will be completed within 15 days. Once completed, all stray cattle will be rounded up and housed there.”

According to the data from the State Highways Department (2024), nearly 70,000 vehicles use this stretch, leading to frequent traffic congestion during peak hours.