Poor lighting makes Chennai bypass a notorious artery

Chennai: Despite several reminders to NHAI here on Chennai bypass and National Highway 47 turning into a robbery hub, also prone to accidents, authorities are yet to inspect or provide streetlights for the last two years.

“This is the ground situation despite official communications being periodically sent from Chennai police to NHAI seeking action on the subject. There is no response Even last month a reminder was sent”, said a senior police officer.

The 32 km Chennai bypass that connects Kancheepuram with Madhavaram in Tiruvallur by passing Chennai has in the recent past been witnessing accidents and thefts. Robberies at knife are also reported along highways that connects Chennai with Kancheepuram. The local bodies after police intervention provide streetlights only at junctions and they do not have jurisdiction or funds to maintain a highway, the officer said.

“We were able to reduce accidents in city roads but highways need adequate lighting during night hours. Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur have several blind spots and poor lit stretches and this trend has been continuing for months. The police after investigation nab offenders but poor lighting is a problem which NHAI fails to understand, the official added.

When contacted, D. Surendranath, project director, project implementation unit, National Highways, Chennai, said NHAI was aware of the situation along Chennai by pass. As of now there was no provision in the maintenance contract awarded to private parties. The existing contracts are on the verge of expiring and in the new contract provisions will be made to provide illumination. By about two months time things will improve.    

“Last October, one of my drivers lost his mobile and purse near the toll when he took a nap at Chennai bypass. The stretch has become a notorious road,  especially at night. Even fatigued drivers do not park their vehicles as there are blind spots due to poor lighting,” said S. Narayanan, who runs a tourist cab service in Ambattur. Similarly, Madurai - Melur stretch and Villupuram – Tindivanam is also poorly lit, he said.