Traffic diversions to make way for I-Day parade, security up

Ahead of the event on Wednesday, important places in the city have been brought under a tight security blanket. In particular, the Railway Protection Force personnel have stepped up surveillance at Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram railway stations to round-the-clock. Passengers will be allowed inside only after their baggage are scanned. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed to check parcels that arrive at stations, sources said.

Meanwhile, in view of the celebrations, several stretches of roads in the city would be out of bounds for routine traffic. This include Kamarajar Salai from Labour statue to RBI subway as well as Flag staff road which would be closed for public from 6 am until the culmination of the I Day event. 

Vehicles coming on Kamarajar Salai and proceeding towards Parry’s corner via Rajaji Salai would be diverted via Swami Sivananda Salai, Anna Salai, Muthusamy Bridge, Muthusamy Road, R A Mandram and NFS Road to reach Parry’s corner. 

Vehicles coming on Rajaji Salai and proceeding towards Kamarajar Salai would be diverted to NFS Road, RA Mandram, Muthusamy Road, Muthusamy Bridge, Anna Salai and Wallajah Road to reach Kamarajar Salai. 

Also, vehicles with red and purple colour passes that come to the event before 8.45 am would be allowed to park inside Secretariat. Those reaching after 8.45 am can enter Fort St George through Wallajah Gate. 

Vehicles issued with blue and pink colour passes can reach Secretariat out gate out for disembarkation through RBI subway and be at the PWD parking lot opposite to Secretariat. Vehicles without passes can be parked inside Island Ground from Anna Salai.