At Marakadai in Tiruchi, violation of traffic rules has become the norm

With the traffic diversion in place because of the construction of overbridge near the Fort Station, frequent traffic congestion has become the order of the day on Madurai Road near Marakadai in Tiruchi.

With the traffic diversion in place because of the construction of overbridge near the Fort Station, frequent traffic congestion has become the order of the day on Madurai Road near Marakadai in Tiruchi.

Commuters passing through Madurai Road from Palakkarai and from Vellamandi Main Road to Main Guard Gate express concern over the frequent traffic snarls at the Marakadai junction. The problem turns acute during peak hours and even pedestrians have to wait for a long time to cross the road.

Private buses being driven at a high speed and one-way rule violation on the bridge are frequent on the stretch, causing minor road accidents. Private bus drivers turn a blind eye to traffic rules, indulging in rash driving, overtaking another vehicle on the wrong side, halting buses in the middle of the road to drop or pick up passengers.

“There is heavy vehicular line up on the entire stretch of the road, especially during peak hours. Strict action should be taken against over-speeding buses and other traffic violations,” said M. Gangadharan, a regular commuter.

Road users pointed out the inconvenience caused by random parking of vehicles on either side of the road, which houses many commercial establishments. The poor condition of the road completes the cup of woes for road users.

With the daily increase in number of vehicles plying through the road, motorists say the traffic police should come up with a solution to ensure the free flow of vehicles. “Police personnel must be deployed during peak hours, and haphazard movement of buses at the junction must be controlled,” said N. Jamaludeen, a civic activist.

A senior traffic official said that regular drives against violations are being carried out against errant private buses and penalties imposed.