In a significant move to address long-standing traffic woes, the Trichy district administration has formulated a contingency plan to decongest the chronically clogged Palpannai junction, a critical intersection where three national highways meet.
Minister's Inspection Spurs Action
The plan was set in motion following an impromptu inspection by School Education Minister and local MLA Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who acted on repeated public complaints about the worsening gridlock. A subsequent review meeting was held at the district collectorate involving traffic and revenue officials to chart a way forward.
The primary issue identified is the choking of the narrow junction by heavy vehicles and mofussil buses during peak hours, which severely impacts the flow of traffic into the city's core areas.
Key Proposals to Untangle the Junction
Authorities are actively considering multiple solutions. A major proposal involves diverting a section of traffic, including some buses and heavy vehicles from Thuvakudi, via the Trichy semi-ring road. This diversion is expected to allow long-distance buses, including SETC services, to reach Panjapur KKBT using the toll-free semi-ring road, thereby reducing pressure on the city centre.
Another crucial proposal discussed is the creation of a new link road along the bank of the Uyyakondan canal from Palpannai to Senthaneerpuram. This road is intended to divert two-wheelers and autorickshaws towards G Corner and TVS Tollgate, effectively bypassing the main junction. District Collector V Saravanan told TOI that while a carriageway exists along parts of the canal, safety measures like retaining walls and a high-level bridge are essential before it can be opened to the public. "The link road is feasible, but a detailed project report and studies involving the water resources department are required to ensure user safety," he stated.
Focus on Infrastructure and Pedestrian Safety
Officials are also examining the extension of a minor bridge across a drainage canal near the service road. Currently, this bridge restricts vehicle movement towards G Corner. Extending it could enable a dedicated free-left lane to the Trichy–Chennai NH service road, smoothing traffic flow.
Responding to complaints about the lack of safe crossing points, the administration has proposed immediate pedestrian safety measures, including zebra crossings and pedestrian signals at the junction.
Residents have welcomed these proposed measures but have also flagged ongoing issues. V Tamizhiniyan, a resident of Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, pointed out that traffic dividers on the Trichy–Thanjavur stretch block free-left movement near bus bays, causing further blockages. "Police can remove the dividers near the bus bay. City buses and other vehicles are blocking the free left most times, choking the movement," he said.
The district administration's plan aligns with solutions previously suggested by TOI in an article dated December 3, titled ‘5 causes of Palpannai's traffic hold-up and how to get over it'. The concerted effort now aims to translate these discussions into actionable relief for daily commuters.
