Tue Feb 04 17:36:47 UTC 2025: ## Egmore Junction: A Pedestrian Nightmare Despite Past Improvements
**Chennai, February 5, 2025** – A once-improved pedestrian-friendly junction in Egmore, Chennai, has devolved into a dangerous and chaotic bottleneck for both pedestrians and motorists, sparking outrage among residents. The intersection of Pantheon Road, Langs Garden Road, and Gandhi Irwin Bridge Road, a key part of the Greater Chennai Corporation’s non-motorised transport plan, is now plagued by several issues.
Following a 2013 “Right to Walk” campaign, the Corporation widened footpaths, added cycle docks, and created parking areas. However, subsequent developments, including a new police booth and bridge, have compromised the original design. Haphazard parking, overcrowding near Tasmac outlets, and frequent police-permitted protests further exacerbate the problem.
Residents report incidents of harassment, including a recent incident where a woman was forced from an auto-rickshaw. The lack of consistent police presence is a major concern, especially for women and senior citizens. Poor maintenance of the junction’s fountain and traffic island has added to the deterioration.
Councillor Fathima Muzaffer has requested the Bus Route Roads Department to redesign the junction for improved pedestrian safety, including increased street lighting to address reported substance abuse in the area. The Assistant Engineer of Ward 61 confirms plans to improve pedestrian facilities and signage. However, residents are demanding immediate action to rectify the unsafe conditions and restore the junction’s intended pedestrian-friendly design.
First Piper 