CHENNAI: With pavements removed for the ongoing Teynampet–Saidapet elevated road works on Anna Salai, visitors to the Chennai Book Fair at the YMCA grounds in Nandanam, especially those arriving by Metro and bus, have been forced to walk on the arterial road amid fast-moving traffic, posing a serious risk to their safety.

The 49th Chennai Book Fair began on December 8, and weekends usually see a surge in footfall. On Sunday, many visitors who alighted at the Nandanam Metro station complained that the absence of footpaths compelled them to walk along the busy Anna Salai. In some stretches, they said, they had to keep close to compound walls to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents.

K Vignesh, a student of Nandanam College, said this was his second consecutive year at the fair. He pointed out that the elevated road project had narrowed the carriageway, resulting in traffic congestion throughout the day, which worsened during evening peak hours. Uneven road surfaces, he said, made it difficult for pedestrians even before they reached the fair. He alleged that officials had failed to take precautionary steps or provide temporary safety arrangements.

J Arun Kumar, a resident of Anna Nagar, said the pavements earlier housed booksellers who attracted many visitors each year. With the pavements gone, he said, sharp edges from demolished concrete footpaths remained just metres before the entrance, creating a high risk of serious injuries. The absence of pavement booksellers, he added, had also diminished the overall experience of the fair.

A bookfair organiser said that they have arranged MTC's mini-bus to help the visitors from Nandanam Metro to reach the venue safely and avoid a long walk.

A traffic police personnel stationed at the spot said they had not received instructions to permit small book sellers on the pavements, as this could further aggravate congestion. However, temporary steps would be taken to create a dedicated walking space for pedestrians using barricades or cones, the official said.

An official from the Highways Department said that owing to the Teynampet flyover construction, the road had been extended up to compound walls, effectively removing the old pavements. Land acquisition proceedings involving portions of Nandanam Arts and Science College and the YMCA Sports College were under way, and coordination with the traffic police would be undertaken to implement temporary pedestrian safety measures.