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Poor lighting makes Tambaram bypass an easy target for robbers
The Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass, a key road that connects the southern suburbs of the city with those on the western fringes, has turned out to be an easy target for anti-social elements to waylay and rob motorists at night, as the stretch does not have adequate lighting facility.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
Constructed in 2003, the highway is increasingly patronised by motorists as it shortens the commuting distance significantly. The road, which extends all the way to Puzhal, is used by around 40,000 vehicles every day.
However, the road is very poorly lit with lamp posts very few and far between, a situation that has remained the same since the beginning.
Taking advantage of this situation, sources said robbers target road users who travel alone during late hours and snatch their valuables. On an average, at least 7 robbery cases reported to have taken place on the stretch have been registered every month.
Due to the increase in such incidents, a section of commuters using the bypass road recently registered a complaint with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) but no action has been taken till date.
“It is really hard to drive the vehicle during the night. We are paying toll fare for the bypass but no lights have been installed. It is not fair,” said Naveen, a regular commuter and a resident of Tambaram.
Instances of robbery apart, frequent accidents are also reported on the highway due to its poor illumination.
Around 22 people have suffered injuries in accidents that happened last month, while 7 persons have lost their lives, sources said. Most of the accidents involve speeding bikes and cars ramming into lorries and trucks parked by the roadside.
When contacted, a senior NHAI official told DT Next that they have prepared a proposal to the tune of Rs 20 crore for installing LED lamps every 25 metres on both the sides of the bypass.
“We have sent it for approval to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways but it is still pending. Once we get the approval, work will be started,” he said.
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