Heavy Tourist Rush at Mahabalipuram During Summer Vacation Causes Massive Traffic Congestion
The historic tourist destination Mahabalipuram witnessed a massive tourist influx during the ongoing school summer holidays. Families from Chennai and several districts across Tamil Nadu travelled to Mahabalipuram in cars, vans, government buses and private vehicles, resulting in heavy crowds across the town.
Popular tourist attractions including the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball and Tiger Cave attracted thousands of visitors. Tourists were seen taking selfies and photographs at the heritage monuments and beach areas.
The sudden rise in tourist vehicles led to severe traffic congestion on major roads including East Raja Street, Shore Temple Road, Five Rathas Road, Tirukazhukundram Road and Kovalam Road. In many areas, vehicles were parked irregularly along roadsides, causing inconvenience to local residents and traders.
Traffic police later cleared blocked roads and diverted vehicles through alternate routes to control congestion. Meanwhile, tourists and social activists urged authorities to operate additional government buses from Chennai and suburban areas to Mahabalipuram during the summer holiday season.
Important Highlights:
- Huge tourist crowd witnessed in Mahabalipuram during summer holidays.
- Shore Temple, Five Rathas and Tiger Cave saw heavy visitor turnout.
- Major traffic congestion affected ECR and surrounding roads.
- Additional buses demanded from Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
- Public requested authorities to restart discontinued AC bus services.
- Tourist arrivals are expected to increase further till May 31.
