 |
|
The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) have implemented comprehensive traffic regulations for New Year's Eve celebrations in Chennai, anticipating large crowds at churches and beaches. These regulations, effective from 7 p.m. on December 31, 2024, to 6 a.m. on January 1, 2025, encompass a wide range of measures designed to manage the expected influx of people and vehicles. A key aspect of the plan involves the closure of all flyovers citywide from 10 p.m. on December 31st to 6 a.m. on January 1st. This closure is a significant measure aimed at preventing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic flow on ground-level roads. The impact of this closure is expected to be felt across the city, requiring drivers to adjust their routes and potentially face increased travel times.
The Marina Beach area, a focal point of New Year's Eve celebrations, is subject to particularly stringent traffic management. Several roads are closed and parking restrictions are in place along the Foreshore Service Road, from the War Memorial to the Lighthouse. This restriction aims to prevent parking congestion and improve pedestrian safety in a densely populated area. Furthermore, the GCTP has established a detailed diversion plan for vehicles approaching the Marina Beach from various directions. Vehicles from Adyar heading towards Kamarajar Salai will be rerouted through Greenways Road, South Canal Road, Mandaveli, R.A. Puram, R.K. Mutt Road, and Luz Mylapore. Similarly, vehicles from Dr. R.K. Salai will be diverted at V.M. Street Junction, passing through R.K. Mutt Road, Luz Junction, Mandaveli, and South Canal Bank Road to reach Santhome High Road and Greenways Road. Vehicles from Parry's will be diverted at the RBI subway (North), using North Fort Wall Road, Muthusamy Road, Wallajah Point, and Anna Salai to reach their destination. These complex diversions reflect the considerable effort made to manage traffic flow and prevent gridlock in the vicinity of the beach.
The planned diversions also affect public transport. Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses traveling north from Greenways Junction will be diverted via R.K. Mutt, using Thiruvengadam Street, Devanathan Street, Venkateswara Agraharam Street, and Nageshwara Park to reach their destinations. In the return direction, these buses will be diverted at the RBI subway, utilizing Muthusamy Point, Anna Salai, Cathedral Road, V.M. Street Junction, Luz Junction, and Mandaveli Junction to reach South Canal Road. These public transport adjustments indicate the comprehensive nature of the GCTP's plan and its goal of minimizing disruption to public transport services during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The detailed rerouting of buses showcases a proactive effort to adapt public transportation to the changed traffic conditions, ensuring that commuters can still access essential services despite the significant road closures and diversions.
To accommodate the anticipated large number of vehicles, the GCTP has designated several parking areas throughout the city. These include Kamarajar Salai (Swami Sivananda Salai, from Doordarshan Kendra towards the Periyar statue), Wallajah Road (near the Tamil Nadu state guest house towards the Anna statue), Island Grounds, PWD ground (opposite the Secretariat), Press Club Road, Kalaivanar Arangam, Victoria Hostel, Bharathi Salai (from Victoria Hotel Road to Bharathi Salai Junction), Lloyds Road, Queen Mary’s College campus, Lady Wellington School, NKT School, Dr. Besant Road, Bharath Scout campus, and South Canal Road. The availability of designated parking spaces is a crucial element in the GCTP's plan to alleviate congestion and ensure that drivers have safe and convenient parking options. The distribution of parking areas across various locations throughout the city aims to distribute the parking load, minimizing the pressure on any single location and promoting efficient traffic management.
The overall traffic management plan implemented by the GCTP for New Year's Eve represents a substantial undertaking. It demonstrates a proactive approach to managing a large public event, considering various factors such as public transportation, parking availability, and the specific traffic challenges presented by major celebratory venues. The meticulous planning of diversion routes, closure times, and parking locations showcases the extensive preparation and coordination required to manage a large-scale event of this nature. The GCTP's measures aim to balance the need for facilitating public celebration with the imperative of maintaining safe and orderly traffic flow throughout the city. The success of these measures will depend on the cooperation of the public in adhering to the traffic regulations and following the designated diversion routes. The plan's effectiveness will be crucial in ensuring a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve celebration for all.
Source: Chennai traffic police announce diversions, parking spots for New Year’s Eve