Sun Apr 27 16:35:16 UTC 2025: **Chennai Traffic Chaos at Lakshman Sruthi Signal Prompts Calls for Improvement**
CHENNAI, April 27, 2025 – The Lakshman Sruthi signal in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, is causing significant traffic congestion during peak hours, prompting complaints from commuters and calls for improvements. The intersection, connecting Koyambedu to Guindy via 100 Feet Road and T. Nagar to K.K. Nagar, experiences heavy traffic between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., particularly on Mondays and Fridays.
The situation is exacerbated by ongoing Metro Rail construction on Arcot Road, which has made a parallel route one-way, funneling more traffic onto the already congested Second Avenue. Commuters report significant delays, with some journeys taking 10-15 minutes just to cross the signal. The lack of adequate pedestrian crossings also poses safety concerns, with pedestrians struggling to navigate the busy road.
Residents also highlighted erratic nighttime traffic and a disregard for traffic signals, particularly after 9 p.m. when police monitoring is reduced. The limited visibility due to Metro Rail pillars further increases the risk of accidents. While major accidents are rare, minor mishaps are common. Shopkeepers near the signal also reported problems with vehicles parking on footpaths, impeding pedestrian movement.
Authorities acknowledge the issues, with traffic police noting frequent traffic violations and indicating that an automatic signal is planned for the intersection. Until then, however, commuters and residents are left to navigate the chaotic situation at the Lakshman Sruthi signal.
First Piper 