The New Perungalathur junction on the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, widely regarded as the southern gateway to Chennai, has descended into absolute pandemonium. The trouble began recently when the traffic police removed the physical barricades and poles that previously regulated vehicular movement from Gandhi Road and Kamarajar Salai. This decision, aimed at allowing motorists to turn right towards Peerkankaranai, has backfired spectacularly, turning the busy intersection into a free-for-all zone.

A Pedestrian Nightmare on GST Road

With the safety barriers gone, pedestrians are finding it nearly impossible to cross the road safely. Motorists from Otteri and Irumbuliyur are taking advantage of the lack of physical barriers to make unauthorized U-turns, while others rashly enter Gandhi Road. The designated pedestrian crossing lines have virtually disappeared under a sea of crawling and speeding vehicles, forcing commuters, including children and senior citizens, to dodge oncoming traffic at extreme personal risk.

Demands for Infrastructure and Enforcement

Local residents and regular commuters are voicing strong dissatisfaction with the apathy of the traffic administration. Civic activists point out that while the right turn towards Peerkankaranai is necessary, it must be regulated by a dedicated traffic signal. Currently, traffic police personnel stationed at the junction allegedly remain mute spectators to the rampant violations. Activists suggest that heavy vehicles and motorists from Otteri should be redirected to use the existing underpass connecting Old GST Road and GST Road, or take right turns at the Vandalur junction further away.

The Peril of Heavy Vehicles

Adding a highly dangerous dimension to the existing mess is the behavior of heavy vehicle drivers. Trucks and buses coming from Otteri frequently attempt tight U-turns right in the middle of the chaotic junction, bringing traffic to a grinding halt. Furthermore, heavy vehicles coming from Gandhi Road take free left turns without slowing down, posing an immediate threat to pedestrians who are already struggling to find a safe foothold on the road.

A Call for Urgent Intervention

As one of Chennai's most critical transit points, the New Perungalathur junction cannot afford such systemic neglect. The state highways department and the Chennai traffic police must coordinate immediately to reinstall physical dividers, deploy active enforcement officers, and program dedicated signal phases to restore order before a major tragedy occurs on this high-speed corridor.