Kanum Pongal 2026: Traffic Diversions Announced in Chennai From 11 AM on January 17
In view of Kanum Pongal celebrations on Saturday (January 17), heavy public turnout is expected across Chennai, especially along Kamarajar Salai and surrounding areas.
To ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety, the Chennai Traffic Police have announced major traffic diversions starting from 11:00 AM on Kanum Pongal day.
Key Traffic Diversions
- Vehicles coming from Parry’s Corner towards the Gandhi Statue will be diverted near the War Memorial via Flag Staff Road and routed through Walajah Point – Anna Salai – Anna Statue – Spencer Junction.
(Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses are exempted.)
- Vehicles moving towards the beach from the War Memorial, after dropping passengers, will be diverted at Adams Junction towards Swami Sivananda Salai for parking.
- The stretch from Labour Statue to Kannagi Statue will function as a one-way road.
- MTC buses will not be allowed to turn right from Labour Statue Junction towards Walajah Road.
- MTC buses heading towards Labour Statue will be diverted via Kannagi Statue Junction – Bharathi Salai – Bells Road – Walajah Road – Anna Statue.
- Vehicles (except MTC buses) will not be permitted from Gandhi Statue towards Kannagi Statue.
- Instead, vehicles can proceed via R.K. Salai – Music Academy Junction – T.T.K. Road – G.R.H. Junction – G.P. Road – Anna Salai.
- Victoria Hostel Road and Bells Road will be converted into one-way roads from Bharathi Salai Junction, and vehicles will not be allowed from Walajah Road Junction.
- Vehicles on Bharathi Salai heading towards Kannagi Statue will be diverted at Ratna Café Junction via Triplicane High Road – Walajah Road – Anna Salai.
- At Periyar Statue Junction, only vehicles heading to the beach will be allowed towards Swami Sivananda Salai. Other vehicles must proceed via Anna Statue – Anna Salai.
Designated Parking Locations
Public parking has been arranged at the following locations, and motorists are requested to cooperate with the police:
- Chennai Foreshore Road (all vehicles except buses and commercial vehicles)
- University of Madras premises
- Swami Sivananda Salai
- MRTS Chepauk
- Lady Wellington School
- Queen Mary’s College
- Srinivasapuram Loop Road (buses only)
- PWD Grounds
- St. Peter’s Ground
- Annai Sathya Nagar
- E.V.R. Salai
- Medical College Grounds
- State College Grounds
Public Advisory
Motorists are advised to plan their travel in advance, use public transport wherever possible, follow traffic police instructions, and avoid unnecessary vehicle movement in beach areas.
