Traffic woes hit new high in Chennai

While we move towards improved urban planning techniques, traffic management must also be smartly handled. Chennai traffic seems to be caught up in constant diversions and ill-planned routes. Certain officers, who are supposed to enforce mobile phone ban while driving, are found using cellphones most of time.

The government may have appointed many traffic controllers in the city, but they are not seen most of the time. If the traffic controller fails in his duty or is absent, there is bound to be heavy traffic problems in the area. Irresponsible handling of traffic has emerged as a hindrance for those building the future of our nation. School students are unable to reach examination halls on time, which in turn, results in panic and poor performance. With examinations round the corner, it is imperative for the traffic police department to take immediate steps in managing the traffic efficiently.

With increasing traffic in the city, it has become troublesome for ambulances to reach hospitals on time, despite having the green signal to jump signals.

"Being a daily commuter on the ECR I feel that traffic is getting hideous day by day. I also face many problems because of potholes, road diversion, and long-holding signals. I strongly suggest that the Chennai traffic police create more awareness on lane discipline and non-violation of signals. We need to have more traffic cops to control traffic during peak traffic hours," said Srinivasan Devananthan, GM at Dhev Associates.

Chennai traffic has worsened due to poor management of traffic, ineffective use of road space and traffic indiscipline, which results in commuters jumping lanes and road rage.

People are struggling to travel outside the city during weekends due to lack of guidance from traffic police department. The roads are not wide enough for people to travel quicker.

"Traffic in the city is becoming more hectic and the main cause for that is people don't follow road rules.  I think the government is taking steps in implementing big penalties, but only police are taking advantage of it," says Akaash Sreedharan, a student.

"It would be better if there is separate lane for two-wheelers like in other foreign countries, " he adds.

"The stagnated drainage and rainwater needs to flow smoothly. The existing potholes need to be fixed by the Chennai city corporation so that traffic doesn't slow down," concludes a source from the police department.