Wrong-Side Driving Epidemic on Chennai's GST Road Endangers Commuters
The Saidapet-Guindy section of GST Road in Chennai has transformed into a perilous zone for drivers, with rampant wrong-side driving occurring unchecked beneath CMRL pillars. This reckless behavior is primarily driven by motorists seeking to avoid severe traffic congestion near Raj Bhavan, but it poses grave risks to all road users.
Dangerous Shortcuts to Bypass Traffic Jams
Instead of enduring long waits on Taluk Office Road in Saidapet, many two-wheelers and autorickshaws are illegally entering Velachery Main Road—a designated one-way street—by driving on the wrong side. This maneuver allows them to reach Guindy faster, but it creates chaotic and hazardous conditions. Vehicles traveling at speed on Anna Salai are frequently startled by oncoming traffic appearing unexpectedly from the opposite direction.
Commuters report that these violations spike dramatically during peak hours, exacerbating the danger. "I have to be extra cautious while taking this route. I always slow down because vehicles suddenly appear from the wrong side," shared Murugan, a local shopkeeper who regularly navigates this stretch. His experience highlights the daily anxiety faced by responsible drivers.
Absence of Enforcement Fuels Reckless Behavior
The problem is compounded by violators also accessing Velachery Main Road from Taluk Office Road, disrupting traffic flow and heightening the risk of head-on collisions and multi-vehicle pile-ups. Stalin, a commuter from Nandanam, pointed out that the lack of traffic police presence at critical junctions encourages motorists to flout rules with impunity. "Wrong-side driving reduces reaction time for motorists and can result in fatal accidents. A minor miscalculation at high speeds can lead to serious injuries," warned Kamalakannan, a transport activist, emphasizing the severe consequences of such negligence.
Urgent Calls for Police Intervention and Stricter Measures
In response to this escalating crisis, residents and daily commuters are urgently appealing to the Greater Chennai Traffic Police to deploy personnel during peak hours and enforce traffic regulations rigorously. Implementing consistent monitoring and penalties could deter violations and restore safety on this vital arterial road. The community's plea underscores the need for immediate action to prevent potential tragedies and ensure smoother, safer travel for everyone in Chennai.
