Fix faulty signal, regulate traffic on MTH Road, urge commuters

CHENNAI: Faulty traffic signal at MTH road in Villivakkam near Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) flats has been causing heavy traffic congestion, forcing vehicles to crawl. Additionally, the ongoing phase II Metro Rail construction and newly dug up Storm Water Drain (SWD) has narrowed down the road, say residents.

The residents and commuters speaking to DT Next pointed out the trouble faced by commuters taking the Padi bridge and New Avadi Road on either side. Hence, they demand a traffic signal and traffic personnel to man the stretch.

A resident of TNHB flat said, “The signal has been in the faulty condition for several months now. We had also made complaints regarding the same. However, no action so far.”

Though residents say they notice traffic personnel some times at the MTH road junction (where CMRL has begun work), another signal right opposite to TNHB flats barely works.

“The stretch has already become narrow as CMRL has taken up space for construction. Additionally, a couple of days ago, SWD work also commenced in the area. With the Padi bridge on one side, connecting important areas of the city, hundreds of vehicles, including heavy vehicles struggle to pass through,” said Ram Kumar, a resident of SIDCO Nagar.

Meanwhile, a teacher working at a girls’ government school in Villivakkam expressed her fear of children meeting with accidents if traffic is not regulated. “Students have been complaining about the traffic in the location and erratic riding of two-wheelers due to lack of traffic regulations. Hence, before any untoward incident unfolds, we request proper police intervention, ”averted the teacher.

Officials did not respond when contacted.