LED screen, jaywalking add to GST Road safety worries near Tirusulam
A newly installed LED display at Tirusulam railway ticket complex is distracting motorists on GST Road, adding to existing concerns over jaywalking and traffic violations.
A large LED display recently put up at the Southern Railway ticket counter complex in Tirusulam has become a fresh source of worry for motorists using GST Road between Meenambakkam and Tambaram.
The screen faces north and sits just below the flyover, past the Meenambakkam grounds. Drivers say its brightness can pull their attention away from the road, especially as they approach the signal.
A street vendor in the area, Jayaram, said a woman and her child fell off their vehicle after being distracted by the display. They escaped with minor injuries, he said.
Motorists have suggested that the screen's brightness be lowered or that it be swapped for an ordinary hoarding. A second LED display about 100 metres to the south was seen as less of a problem.
Southern Railway officials said the hoarding was approved as per norms, but added that its brightness would be reduced keeping public safety in mind. Traffic police said they would coordinate with the Railways on road safety.
Old problems persist
Near the Pallavaram flyover, close to the Air Force Police headquarters, heavy vehicles often turn right suddenly to reach the flyover. N. Ganesh, who travels daily between Chromepet and Meenambakkam, said some drivers hesitate and swerve while trying to take the direction they want.
Jaywalking remains another concern. Many people coming from the eastern side cross GST Road to reach the Tirusulam Metro station even though a subway exists. Commuters said the subway involves a long detour, and suggested a skywalk or escalator-friendly link between Tirusulam railway station and the Metro station.
About 100 metres further south, the junction of GST Road and Acharya Thulsi Road (Pallavaram Market Road) has a signal that motorists say is of little use at peak hours. Xavier, an automobile trader nearby, described it as a free-for-all, with U-turns and vehicles reversing and cutting across the intersection.
Beyond the flyover, motorists face bottlenecks and a narrow stretch. The Highways Department has been widening the road by clearing encroachments from the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road flyover towards Pallavaram, but activists want the work speeded up given rising traffic volumes. Congestion near Saravana Stores, Chromepet railway station and Tambaram Sanatorium adds to the strain.
Selvam, a daily-wage worker from Irumbuliyur, said he feels exhausted for the day by the time he reaches the Tambaram bus stand.
Activists and motorists have called for better coordination among the Highways Department, Southern Railway and Tambaram Corporation. As a long-term fix, they have proposed an elevated corridor towards Chengalpattu via Kilambakkam.