Kaanum Pongal: Traffic changes in Chennai today
Tamil Nadu: Traffic changes have been implemented in Chennai’s metropolitan areas on Saturday (January 17) in connection with the upcoming Pongal festival.
A press release issued by the Chennai Metropolitan Traffic Police Department states:
It is expected that large crowds will gather on all Chennai roads, especially on Kamaraj Road, on Saturday (January 17) in view of Kanum Pongal. Consequently, traffic changes will be implemented starting at 11:00 am.
Vehicles coming from Parimunai towards the Gandhi Statue will be diverted via Kodimarella Road near the War Memorial and can reach their destination via Walaja Point-Anna Road-Anna Statue-Spencer Junction. (Chennai Metropolitan City Buses are exempted from this).
Vehicles coming from the War Memorial towards the beach, after dropping off passengers, will be diverted from Adams Junction to Swami Sivananda Road for parking. The road from the Statue of Labour to the Kannagi Statue will be made one-way. Chennai Metropolitan buses will not be permitted to turn right onto Walaja Road from the Statue of Labour Junction. Chennai Metropolitan buses headed for the Statue of Labour will be diverted from Kannagi Statue Junction via Bharathi Road – Bells Road – Walaja Road – Anna Street.
Vehicles (except Chennai Metropolitan buses) heading from Gandhi Statue to Kannagi Statue will not be permitted. Instead, they can proceed via R.K. Road – Music Academy Junction – T.D.K. Road – G.R.H. Point Clock Tower – G.P. Road – Anna Road.
Victoria Inn Road and Bells Road will be made one-way from Bharathi Road Junction, and vehicles will not be permitted from Walaja Road Junction.
Vehicles headed for Kannagi Statue on Bharathi Salai can proceed via Ratna Cafe Junction via Thiruvallikeni Highway – Walaja Salai – Anna Salai. At the Periyar Statue Junction, only vehicles headed towards the beach will be allowed to proceed towards Swami Sivananda Salai. Other vehicles can reach their destination via Anna Statue – Anna Salai.
Parking: People can park their vehicles on the Chennai Foreshore Road (all vehicles except buses and commercial vehicles). It is also advised that people park their vehicles at Madras University, Swami Sivananda Road, MRTS Chepauk, Lady Wellington School, Queen Mary’s College for Women, Srinivasapuram Loop Road (buses only), Public Works Department Ground, St. Peter’s Ground, Annai Satya Nagar, E.V.Ra Road, Medical College Ground, State College, etc. and cooperate with the police.
