Traffic changes on Marina Loop Road are causing problems for motorists
Police impose traffic restrictions on Santhome High Road as VIP vehicles ply the road every day, says a local resident. | Photo credit: R. RAGU
Fishermen living on Marina Loop Road complain about traffic changes for various reasons.
“Almost every evening, the police put up barricades on the east side of the road and block a large part of it. This is to help beachgoers. We have no objection to people coming to the beach. But blocking these two lanes has resulted in vehicles only going on the other side, which often causes traffic jams. Since we can’t drive on Santhome High Road even at night,” said Maricksha, an autorickwan driver said.
After the Greater Chennai Corporation made Marina a Blue Flag beach, many traders have moved to Loop Road but are facing space constraints. Local women who sell fish find it difficult to get space. “Only some traders are using the modern market created by the corporation. It is not popular among the vendors. The design is flawed and so many vendors are opting for roadside,” said community leader K. Bharathi.
With thousands of fishing families living along the road, access to schools on Santhome High Road has become a difficult task. The children are forced to take a detour through the Dooming Kuppam.
“Two-wheelers can drive on small internal roads. But the police will barricade the road near the Lighthouse. Two cars cannot drive on the minor street at the same time. The police must study the traffic flow in the area and ensure that school children and their parents can use the road comfortably,” said Narayanan, another resident.
Adyar resident Natarajan said the promise of widening Santhome High Road remains unfulfilled.
“Every mayor and MLA is promising this. There are six schools on the stretch, and as VIP vehicles ply the road daily, the police impose traffic restrictions. However, they do not consider other road users. Even school children traveling in autorickshaws are exposed. A long-term solution needs to be found for smooth travel on the road,” he said.
Published – 26 Jun 2026 0:44 IST