Tourists feel unsafe due to absence of dedicated parking lot in Dhanushkodi

Tourists who visited the town during the weekend faced a lot of hardship searching for a safe parking space. The problem was even more felt now, as it was an extended weekend and the beach had a large number of footfalls.

As tourists parked their vehicles indiscriminately on both sides of the road, reversing them and getting them back on the road turned out to be a herculean task. Rajini from Salem said that it took her 30 minutes to take the car out of the parking space and reach the road. The problems are compounded as all the vehicles are parked close to the beach. “If the authorities can make arrangements to set up a proper parking facility, we can save a lot of time,” said Rajini.Rahman, a car driver said, when a vehicle comes in the opposite direction it becomes tough for them to cross the road.

Also, as buses and autos drop the passengers at the end, it adds to the existing problem. So, a proper parking facility with good toilets is a must here, demanded Rahman.

Officials clarified that work is on for setting up a parking facility at Muhuntharayarchatram.

“Once it is completed, vehicles would be stopped at Muhuntharayarchatram and from there, tourists would be allowed only in government buses,” said the officials.

After the new 9.5 kilometre road from Muhuntharayarchathiram in Rameswaram to Arichalmunai in Dhanushkodi was inaugurated

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of second death anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, tourists started pouring in at Dhanushkodi and in less than five months it has mushroomed into one of the most sought after tourist destinations in southern districts.

Thousands of people visit Dhanushkodi daily and during the festive season the numbers increase. As most of them use their own vehicles, there has risen a dire need for a dedicated parking space.