The three main entry and exit points of Chennai city are Perungalathur, Red Hills and Poonamallee and there is chaos prevailing in these places now. The traffic and unhygienic conditions in these 3 places have been causing chaos to the pedestrians as well as to the motorists.
The residents in these places have been facing issues due to dug up roads, vendors on the carriageway, presence of autos and call taxis on the roads, buses parked in the middle of the roads etc. It is said that these issues have been creating nightmares for the residents. It is well known that in the last few years all mofussil buses have been diverted through Tambaram-Maduravoyal Bypass Road to CMBT instead of allowing the buses to crisscross city roads.
To reach the southern and western districts in TN, people living in the southern parts of Chennai and in other places have to cross Perungalathur bus stop. Truth is that regulating traffic at Perungalathur has been an issue and this was due to the fact the private omnibuses and government buses encroach on the carriageway. This has been leading to heavy traffic congestion.
It was mentioned by a resident belonging to Adambakkam that returning back to Chennai from native places has been very difficult. The absence of traffic police personnel to regulate the traffic in the early mornings is an issue. The free flow of vehicles gets blocked by the auto drivers and call taxi drivers as the entire stretch is having these drivers.
The lack of toilet facilities here on either side of the road has made things worse as many use the place as an open urinal. Catching trains is also not as easy a task because a commuter has to cross the railway track to reach the ticket counter that is present on the opposite side. The absence of bus shelters has been making the lives of many passengers difficult here. Former vice-chairman of Peerkankaranai municipality spoke about how several bus services of STC converge on the spot at the same time resulting in heavy traffic jams.
It is true that in Poonamallee, the situation is very similar to that of Perungalathur bus stop. This is a major transit point for those heading towards northern parts of TN are known. The road space here has been reduced due to various shops present on the roadsides. In addition to this, autos also encroaches the road creating more issues. It must be noted that the traffic congestion on the roads leading to Red Hills have reduced to a certain level. It was later pointed out by Mr. Jude Mathew TN Independent Vehicle Owners Association that the bus stand in Red Hills must be improved with basic amenities.