Copyright thehindu
The unregulated parking of autorickshaws along busy commercial stretches near the Main Guard Gate in Tiruchi has become a persistent source of traffic congestion, causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians alike. With the festive season on, commercial streets such as NSB Road, Nandhi Koil Street, Big Bazaar Street, and Burma Bazaar Street are bustling with shoppers and witnessing frequent traffic snarls. No-parking and one-way rules are being violated with impunity on many stretches of the road. Adding to the chaos, autorickshaws waiting for passengers are parked indiscriminately along both sides of the roads, narrowing the carriageway and obstructing the free flow of vehicles. The congestion is particularly acute during the evening hours, when crowds flock shopping hubs. Commuters pointed out that randomly parked autorickshaws occupy nearly half the road space, creating bottlenecks. Pedestrian platforms too are encroached upon by street vendors, forcing walkers onto the road. Devotees, especially the elderly, visiting the Rockfort temple are inconvenienced. Although parking of autorickshaws and four-wheelers is prohibited on these stretches, violations are rampant in the absence of strict enforcement. “Most of these streets are narrow and can only cater to two-wheelers. With autorickshaws lining up along the streets to attract passengers, the carriageway becomes even narrower, leaving little space for other vehicles,” said R. Saravanan, a commuter. Civic activist N. Jamaludeen said: “Parking issues and traffic snarls have plagued these commercial streets for decades. Despite repeated representations by residents, the situation has seen little improvement. Authorities must step up efforts to decongest the area and strictly enforce parking rules to ensure smooth vehicular movement.” A senior traffic official said a special drive would soon be launched to penalise autorickshaws parked illegally. Additional police personnel will be deployed at vantage points to regulate vehicle flow and manage crowds during the festive season.
