Motorists Flag Jaywalking Risk on OMR Stretches After Dark

Motorists using Rajiv Gandhi Salai, also known as OMR, are raising concerns about jaywalking along several stretches, particularly after dark. The problem is reported at locations including Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur and Navalur, where pedestrians crossing the road make night driving more difficult.

G. Gurumurthy, a resident of Thoraipakkam, said the situation near Kottivakkam is risky enough that hit-and-run incidents could become common at night if drivers are not careful. He noted that lighting in the area was upgraded a few days ago but said the improvement has not been effective.

Harsha Koda, co-founder of the Federation of OMR Residents Welfare Associations, said lighting along the road has not improved despite an assurance from the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company to provide lights in sections handed over to it by Chennai Metro Rail. He also pointed to the height of medians in many places, which he said is lower than it should be. With no proper zebra crossings or foot overbridges at needed locations, pedestrians are forced to climb over the medians and jump across, he added.

Lamp posts are yet to be installed along the road, and the lights mounted on Chennai Metro Rail structures are not sufficient to illuminate the carriageway, according to the concerns raised.

Sridevi Kothandapani of Thazhambur described another hazard involving the blue-grey steel shutters along the road, which she said can be moved. When people wish to cross, they shift the shutters to create gaps, she said. Recalling an incident, she said that while trying to cross at night and holding on to one shutter, it moved and she fell onto the road. She said she was fortunate that no vehicle was passing at that moment.

The complaints point to a combination of infrastructure gaps and pedestrian behaviour that residents say leaves both road users and those crossing on foot exposed to risk on the busy IT corridor.