CHENNAI: Barricades put along the service lane behind the Chromepet bus stop have caused inconvenience for thousands of commuters all of a sudden.
The road, which is under the control of the Highways Department and routinely used by bus passengers, post office visitors, bank customers, college students, and residents of New Colony, has now become partially inaccessible.
With the barricades occupying nearly four feet of the road’s width, vehicles, especially two-wheelers and autos, are unable to use the service lane and are being forced onto the GST Road. As a result, traffic movement has slowed down, and riders fear an increased risk of accidents on the already busy highway.
Residents also complain that the barricaded portion has rapidly become a dumping ground, with piles of waste creating a foul smell, increasing mosquito breeding, and posing a health hazard. What was once a functional connector road is now both blocked and unhygienic, causing frustration among regular users.
While the Highways Department denies involvement, Chromepet Municipality officials also distance themselves from the barricading issue.
Traffic police sources said that many vehicles were repeatedly parked on the service lane, and the barricades were placed to control misuse. However, the request for clearing the path will be reviewed
V Santhanam, a senior social activist from Chromepet New Colony Residents Welfare Association, said the blockade has no legal justification. “A public service road cannot be barricaded and treated like private property. If this is not removed immediately, we will conduct a peaceful public campaign to restore access,” he stated.
When contacted, traffic police sources said that vehicles were repeatedly being parked on the lane, preventing movement, and the barricades were placed to control misuse. They added that if the barricades are causing disruption, options for removal or relocation will be reviewed.
Residents and commuters now demand that authorities concerned, especially the Highways Department, Greater Chennai Police, and the Municipality, coordinate to remove the obstruction, restore the service road, clear the garbage, and ensure proper movement of vehicles. This will stop the forced entry of vehicles onto the GST Road.