CHENNAI: Traffic congestion continues to worsen on Ranganathan Street and North Usman Road in T Nagar due to long-standing encroachments by shops occupying roadways and footpaths. As a result, there is barely any place to walk, which puts pedestrians on the main roads navigating among vehicles speeding through.
Due to the New Year, and Pongal festival in two weeks, Ranganathan Street is witnessing an overwhelming influx of shoppers, from children to senior citizens. The heavy crowd has led to extreme congestion in the area, forcing pedestrians to spend a long time just to cross the road.
Following repeated complaints regarding pedestrian congestion, the Greater Chennai Corporation on December 9 removed around 40 unauthorised street vendor stalls from Ranganathan Street. Residents pointed out that walking through the area had become extremely difficult due to encroachments, especially since the street was a key access route to the Mambalam railway station.
To ease congestion, a footbridge connecting Mambalam Railway Station, Ranganathan Street, and the T Nagar bus terminus was constructed by civic authorities. While the footbridge provides a safer passage for children, women, and senior citizens, users have expressed concerns over its long length and low footfall, which creates a sense of insecurity. Despite the presence of surveillance cameras and security personnel, many pedestrians are reluctant to use the footbridge.
Street vendors in the area stated that they have been carrying out business on Ranganathan Street for several years and depend entirely on this occupation for their livelihood. They added that the limited income earned through vending is their sole means of survival.
Corporation officials said that the eviction drive was carried out jointly with the police to widen the footpath and reduce traffic congestion. They also stated that inspections would be conducted once every two weeks and that the action was taken in accordance with the Corporation’s standard procedures against footpath encroachments.