Traffic rule violation along Odathurai service road goes unchecked

The service road connecting Odathurai Main Road and Chennai Bypass has gained notoriety for violation of the one-way rule by motorists. Vehicles going from Odathurai Main Road to Bypass take the wrong side of the service road, putting lives of other motorists at risk.

The service road connecting Odathurai Main Road and Chennai Bypass has gained notoriety for violation of the one-way rule by motorists. Vehicles going from Odathurai Main Road to Bypass take the wrong side of the service road, putting lives of other motorists at risk. Though there is a police booth on Odathurai Main Road, drivers violate the traffic rules with impunity.

Motorists say service road offers an easier route to get to the city. Odathurai Main Road is more accessible compared to the narrow Sanjeevi Nagar Main Road and Devathanam, they say. Drivers have to take a U-turn at Kondiyampettai to reach Chathiram Bus Stand. Instead, they prefer to take a short cut, though dangerous, to reach the Bypass.

Highway patrol police, who keep a watch on the Sanjeevi Nagar Main Road signal, say the area had become accident-prone on account of violation of rules. They say drivers ignore repeated warnings by the police to obey the traffic rules.

“Many motorists have to travel to Kondiyampettai to take a U-turn. In the absence of proper roads to get to Bypass, motorists drive on the wrong side of the service road to reach the Bypass quickly,” says R. Karthikeyan, a commuter.

“We have requested for widening the Odathurai service road to accommodate two-way traffic. The proposal for the construction of an underbridge near the area has been submitted. The accidents along the road are expected to significantly reduce with the implementation of such measures in place,” say police sources.