Chennai: Traffic Diversions Announced in Besant Nagar for Annai Velankanni Church Festival

Chennai: Traffic Diversions Announced in Besant Nagar for Annai Velankanni Church Festival

CHENNAI: The Chennai Traffic Police have announced a series of traffic diversions and designated parking arrangements in Besant Nagar in connection with the annual Annai Velankanni Church festival, which will be held from August 29 to September 8.

The festival is expected to attract a large number of devotees and visitors, particularly during the major religious processions. Motorists have been advised to plan their routes in advance and avoid roads around the festival venue during peak hours.

Key Festival Events

- August 29: Flag-hoisting ceremony and chariot procession from 4.30 p.m.

- September 7: Grand chariot procession from 7.30 p.m.

- September 8: Flag-lowering ceremony

Traffic Diversions in Besant Nagar

Traffic restrictions will be implemented on and around 6th Avenue (Beach Road), 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, 4th Main Road and 7th Avenue during the processions.

Vehicles arriving from the ECR and OMR will be diverted through Adyar Bus Depot, Indira Nagar 2nd Avenue and Indira Nagar 1st Main Road towards LB Road.

Buses will be diverted through M.G. Road and Shastri Nagar 1st Main Road to manage traffic congestion in the area.

Parking Arrangements

The traffic police have identified the following locations for parking:

- Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School

- Arignar Anna Government Higher Secondary School

- Besant Nagar 2nd Main Road

- 4th Avenue

- 17th Cross Street

Traffic Advisory for Motorists

With large crowds expected during the processions, the Chennai Traffic Police have advised motorists to avoid Elliot’s Beach and surrounding roads on the three procession days. Commuters travelling through Besant Nagar are advised to use alternative routes and allow additional travel time.

The traffic restrictions are aimed at ensuring smooth traffic movement and the safety of devotees and pedestrians during the festival.