Law and Order: Growing traffic prompts for signals between VVD junction and Collectorate

With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, Thoothukudi city has been witnessing a steady increase in vehicular traffic, leading to growing congestion across key roads in the city.

This had prompted residents to demand the installation of traffic signals at major junctions particularly along the Palayamkottai road stretch between VVD junction and the Thoothukudi district collectorate.

The road serves as one of the city’s primary arterial routes, connecting Thoothukudi with sub urban areas such as Madathur and Pudukottai, besides catering to commuters travelling from the neighbouring Tirunelveli district.

However, during the peak hours, traffic often moves at snail pace between VVD junction and District Collectorate.

Some of the major junctions along this stretch includes, Millerpuram, Chidambara Nagar, Third Mile and the area near FCI godown.

The increasing volume of vehicles has prompted the public to seek the installation of traffic signals or regular deployment of traffic police personnel at these spots to ease congestion and facilitate safe road crossing for pedestrians, particularly school and college students.

Mohammed, a resident of Thresepuram said, “In recent times, the city has been experiencing significant increase in vehicular movement, which has led to minor accidents at several locations.”

He added that installation of traffic signals have become necessary between Millerpuram and government polytechnic college in Third Mile, as instances of rash driving by students often make it difficult for pedestrians to cross the road safely in these areas.

However, an official from Thoothukudi traffic wing police told The Hindu that a traffic signal had already been installed near Millerpuram junction, but it is currently non-functional.

“The distance between VVD junction and Third Mile is around two km. Motorists have faced difficulties due to the presence of two signal points within such a short stretch, which eventually led to signal being discontinued,” he added.

He noted that traffic personnel are regularly being deployed at other key junctions, especially during peak hours. The installation of additional traffic signals or roundabouts is presently not feasible due to the limited width of the roads.

The official further added that if the road is widened between VVD junction and FCI godown, the installation of traffic signals or roundabouts could be considered in the future.

“The traffic police are continuously taking measures to ease the congestion and ensure the safe movement of pedestrians across the road,” he said.