Flyovers have Chennai traffic tied up in knots

Chennai: In the CNN-IBN series on traffic woes of major cities, we focus on the series of flyovers planned for Chennai, but as we found out, at the planning and execution stage these flyovers have Chennai's traffic tied up in knots.

Commuters like marketing executive Hemanth, say that flyovers in construction are a real pain.

"The corporation should take some steps to find some alternative. It's such a waste of time, being stuck in traffic," says he.

Like Hemanth, many residents of Chennai are now gearing up to spend more time in their cars, thanks to the flyovers coming up in the city.

10 projects are currently on the ground in the city and that seems to be more than what the city can handle.

Firstly, a massive flyover has been planned at the infamous Kathipara Junction, which would connect one end of the city to another, and since it's on the way to the airport, traffic jams are the order of the day.

Flyovers are also being constructed in the suburbs of Koyambedu and Padi and bang in the middle of the retail district.

Usman Road is now witnessing the rise of two flyovers, so commuters are advised to leave their car behind on weekends.

Meanwhile, GN Chetty Road and a part of Chameirs Road are also off limits.

However, officials claim the projects are on schedule and will be completed soon.

Says Commissioner, Chennai Corporation, Rajesh Lakhoni, "We know the inconvenience which it causes, so we are trying to finish them within the next nine months, as planned. Also, now that the festival season is coming, we will stop some of the projects."

The danger from construction remains, but the police say they are on their feet to prevent a traffic snarl.

Says ACP, Traffic, Sunil Kumar, "We are taking steps to decrease the congestion and for that we have also deployed extra policemen in the area."

Flyovers to ease the traffic congestion will soon be seen in Chennai, but till they are ready, the best way to beat the traffic is to start a little early.

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