Independence Day: Major traffic diversions planned around Chennai secretariat
Chennai, Aug 13
The Greater Chennai Traffic Police have announced traffic restrictions and diversions on Kamarajar Salai, Rajaji Salai and adjoining roads for the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George on August 15.
General vehicle movement will be prohibited on Kamarajar Salai between the Labour Statue and the War Memorial.
Similar restrictions will be imposed on Rajaji Salai from the War Memorial to the northern side of the Reserve Bank subway.
Only vehicles displaying valid passes will be permitted on these stretches. Motorists travelling from Kamarajar Salai towards Parrys through Rajaji Salai must turn at the Labour Statue and proceed via Walajah Road, Anna Salai, Muthusamy Bridge, Muthusamy Road, Raja Annamalai Mandram Junction and North Fort Side Road.
Vehicles heading from Parrys towards Kamarajar Salai through Rajaji Salai and the Secretariat will be diverted through Parrys Corner, North Fort Side Road, Raja Annamalai Mandram Junction, Muthusamy Road, Muthusamy Bridge, Anna Salai and Walajah Road.
Those travelling from Anna Salai towards Parrys through Kodimara Salai must use Muthusamy Bridge, Muthusamy Road, Raja Annamalai Mandram Junction and North Fort Side Road.
Vehicles proceeding from Muthusamy Bridge towards Kamarajar Salai through Kodimara Salai must instead travel through Anna Salai and Walajah Road.
Separate access arrangements have been made for invited guests. Vehicles with red and purple passes can travel along Rajaji Salai until 8.30 a.m., drop passengers near the Secretariat entrance and park in designated areas inside the Fort complex.
After 8.30 a.m., these vehicles must proceed through the War Memorial, Kodimara Salai, Muthusamy Bridge, Muthusamy Road, North Fort Side Road, Parrys Junction and the Reserve Bank subway to reach the Secretariat's outer entrance.
They must then be parked in the Public Works Department parking area opposite the Secretariat.
Blue and pink pass holders must use the prescribed routes, drop passengers near the Secretariat's outer entrance and park in the same PWD facility.
Their approach routes will vary depending on whether they arrive before or after 8.30 a.m.
Vehicles without valid passes will not be permitted beyond the restricted points. Passengers must alight near the War Memorial, while the vehicles should be parked inside Island Grounds.
Police advised motorists to plan their journeys, follow the diversions and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed in the area.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is good planning by the Chennai Police. The detailed route maps for pass holders and clear diversion points show they've thought this through. Let's cooperate and celebrate our Independence Day peacefully. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
As someone who lives in Parrys, this is going to be a nightmare. The diversions are so complicated — Labour Statue, Muthusamy Bridge, Anna Salai, North Fort Side Road... It's like a maze. I wish they'd also consider pushcarts and auto drivers who depend on these roads daily. Still, better safe than sorry.
Why do they always block roads like this? Can't they just cordon off the beach area and leave the rest? Also, what about emergency vehicles? What if someone needs an ambulance in those restricted zones? I hope they've thought about that too. 🤔
I've attended the celebrations at Fort St George a couple of times. The arrangements for pass holders are actually quite smooth. Yes, there's some inconvenience, but it's all for a good cause. Let's not forget the sacrifice of our freedom fighters. Respect to the police for managing this every year!
It's good that they've specified separate routes for different pass categories — red, purple, blue, pink. But the common people without passes are the ones who suffer. I wish they could stream the event online so we don't miss the flag hoisting while being stuck in traffic! 🙏
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