Traffic Regulation Dilemma at Royapettah Junction in Chennai

The historic clock tower at Royapettah, standing witness to nearly 90 years of transformation, marks a bustling junction in Chennai where Westcott Road, Pycrofts Road, Whites Road, and General Patters (GP) Road intersect. Despite its busy nature, this junction stands out for the absence of regulated traffic signals, opting instead for blinking yellow lights, urging caution.

Previous attempts by the Greater Chennai Traffic Police to operate signals resulted in increased congestion, leading to the abandonment of the idea. The chaos at the junction primarily stems from traffic associated with Express Avenue Mall, situated at the corner of Whites Road and GP Road. Issues such as the alignment of Whites Road with Pycrofts Road and the narrow stretch of GP Road at the mall entrance contribute to the traffic snarl.

The autorickshaws outside the mall, often a source of livelihood for drivers, add to the congestion. Residents suggest a revisit to the idea of reintroducing traffic signals at this crucial junction to streamline traffic flow.