CHENNAI: Purasawalkam High Road, designated as a one-way stretch, continues to witness heavy vehicular movement in both directions, making it increasingly unsafe for pedestrians to cross, particularly during peak hours.
Residents and commuters lamented that the situation has worsened over the past several months due to rampant encroachment of pavements and road margins by vendors and shopkeepers, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway amid moving traffic.
During weekends, the problem intensifies as shoppers park cars and two-wheelers along both sides of the road, further reducing the carriageway and causing traffic bottlenecks. The stretch is lined with vegetable shops, textile stores, fruit stalls, juice shops and other roadside vendors.
Many have occupied the entire footpath by placing pushcarts, tables and display racks. In several locations, two-wheelers are parked in front of shops, further narrowing the road space and adding to congestion.
When approached, some shopkeepers claimed they were operating only in front of their own premises. “We’re selling goods right outside our shops. Displaying items helps attract customers,” they claimed.
Despite ‘No Parking’ boards installed by the Greater Chennai Traffic Police and repeated warnings, vendors continue to occupy both footpaths and portions of the road. Traffic rules prohibit commercial activity and the placement of pushcarts on footpaths, and violators are liable for removal and penal action. However, commuters said enforcement has been lax, with little visible change on the ground.
This has led to frequent traffic snarls, with motorists forced to slow down or stop abruptly as pedestrians spill onto the road. It has also increased the risk of accidents on the stretch.
Nithisha, a long-time resident, said that crossing the road had become a daily ordeal. “In the morning and evening rush hours, vehicles move in both directions though it’s a one-way road. It’s very difficult to cross, especially when travelling with children. We’re forced to walk on the road because the footpath is completely blocked. There is not even a single pedestrian crossing here.”
Residents have urged the traffic police and civic authorities to step up monitoring and take strict action against encroachments. “Regular inspections, removal of obstructions and penalties for violators will restore footpaths and ensure pedestrian safety,” opined another resident.