Traffic Diversions and Parking Arrangements for IAF Mega Air Show on October 6
Chennai city police have announced traffic diversions and special parking arrangements for the highly anticipated Indian Air Force (IAF) air show on October 6 at Marina Beach, where a large number of spectators are expected. To ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced security, 6,500 police personnel and 1,500 home-guard volunteers will be deployed.
Traffic Restrictions on Kamarajar Salai:
- Only vehicles with passes will be allowed between Gandhi Statue and the War Memorial on Kamarajar Salai.
- Motorists without passes are advised to avoid RK Salai and use Wallajah Salai instead for better parking options.
- Vehicles traveling from Tiruvanmiyur towards Parry’s Corner via Kamarajar Salai will be diverted. They should use Sardar Patel Road, Gandhi Mandapam Road, and Anna Salai to reach their destination.
- Similarly, vehicles from Parry’s Corner heading towards Tiruvanmiyur will have to take Anna Salai, Teynampet, and Gandhi Mandapam instead of Kamarajar Salai.
MTC Bus Diversions:
- Buses starting from Anna Statue will be diverted via Wallajah Road, Triplicane High Road, Ratna Café junction, Ice House junction, Dr Natesan Road, and RK Salai before proceeding to their destinations.
- Buses originating from Greenways Point will be rerouted through Mandaveli, RA Puram 2nd Main Road, TTK Salai, RK Salai, and Anna Salai.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions:
From 7 AM to 4 PM, commercial vehicles will not be allowed on key roads, including Kamarajar Salai, Anna Salai, Santhome High Road, RK Salai, Cathedral Road, and Wallajah Road.
Parking Arrangements:
- VIP and VVIP vehicles will be parked at Foreshore Estate Road.
- Vehicles with blue passes will have designated parking at Presidency College, Swamy Sivananda Salai, and Lady Wellington College.
On Santhome Road, parking is allocated at:
- Deaf and Dumb CSI School
- St Bedes Higher Secondary School
- St Santhome School
- St Bedes Ground
- Cathedral Primary School
- Community Hall
- Santhome Loop Road (one-side parking)
On RK Salai, parking is available at:
- MRTS Light House Road
- NKT School (Ice House junction)
- Queen Mary’s College (for press and police vehicles)
- St Ebbas School
On Wallajah Road, designated parking areas include:
- Kalaivanar Arangam
- Omandurar Medical Ground (entry via Press Club Road)
- Victoria Hostel Ground
On Anna Salai, parking spots are at:
- Island Ground
/> - PWD Ground (opposite Secretariat)
- Munroe Statue to Pallavan Salai junction
- Chintadripet MRTS
Parking lots will close by 9:30 AM, and visitors are urged to arrive early if using private vehicles.
Public Transport Advisory:
Due to the expected high turnout, the public is encouraged to use public transport for a smoother commute. Options include MTC buses, Metro trains, and MRTS trains. To assist with transportation, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will run feeder services connecting Metro stations to key locations:
- From Anna Salai to TV Station (Sivanandha Salai)
- From Anna Salai to Wallajah Road (up to Victoria Hostel Road)
- From Anna Flyover to VM Street junction on RK Salai
In addition, MTC will operate 75 special buses to Anna Square, in addition to the regular 120 buses, on Sunday. Special small buses will run from Government Estate and DMS Metro station, with three-minute frequencies to Madras University and two-minute frequencies to VM Illam Road-RK Salai junction.
Citizens are strongly advised to plan their commute in advance, make use of public transport, and follow the diversions to avoid traffic congestion on the day of the air show.
