Traffic Changes Implemented at Sunnambu Kolathur Junction to Reduce Congestion
To ease heavy traffic along the Pallavaram–Thoraipakkam Radial Road, the Pallikaranai Traffic Police have introduced significant changes at the Sunnambu Kolathur junction. This follows the earlier success of similar measures at the Velachery Main Road–Pallavaram Radial Road junction near Kamakshi Hospital.
Despite a flyover at the Kamakshi Hospital junction, traffic bottlenecks persisted underneath. Inspired by the solution`s success there, the traffic police have now removed traffic signals at two key junctions: Sunnambu Kolathur Main Road–Dr. Ambedkar Salai and Vinayagapuram Main Road.
To facilitate smoother flow, ‘U’ turns were opened along the radial road. While this has eased congestion at signal points, it has inadvertently led to an increase in wrong-side driving — especially by two-wheelers trying to access nearby shops and hotels.
Residents, including S. Muneeswaran of Dr. Ambedkar Salai, acknowledge reduced congestion but express concern about rising violations. L. Kasirajan, a frequent commuter from Pallavaram, noted that while signals were removed, congestion has shifted to U-turn points, where heavy vehicles block lanes during peak hours. He suggested deploying constables to manage traffic at these points.
According to a senior official from the Tambaram Police Commissionerate, the current changes are part of a pilot project, and further action will depend on public feedback.
