Residents of Anna Nagar are looking for a permanent solution to traffic congestion

Traffic jams are particularly severe on the road up to Thirumangalam junction. | Photo credit: VEDHAN M

Anna Nagar roads are becoming increasingly difficult to pass, even on weekdays. The traffic jam is particularly severe around the church of St. Lukáš, Blue Star signal and the entire stretch up to Thirumangalam junction. Even after 10pm on weekends, traffic is still bumper-to-bumper and motorists wait several minutes before crossing the intersection.

Longtime residents blame congestion on popular retail brands and commercial complexes that lack adequate parking. They claim the security guards are directing customers to park on the shoulder, impeding traffic.

“Also, pedestrian zones are often occupied by two-wheelers of shop employees and visitors from morning to 9 pm on weekdays. And on weekends, the traffic gets worse as several youths set up stalls along the road,” said S. Amarnath, a resident of Anna Nagar.

“Every time there is a complaint, the government immediately removes all the small stalls (which are set up on weekends) and does not look at long-term solutions. The real problems are created by the bigger shops, not the carts,” Hemalatha added.

Many young entrepreneurs run stalls here on weekends. There are students, especially IAS aspirants, who are trying to earn money to pay their school fees. Some are single mothers who sell snacks or homemade food to educate their children. Residents agree that these weekend earnings are a lifesaver for many and do not deserve eviction. “The government should create an ecosystem where livelihood and public convenience can exist,” they said. A regulated vending policy, reserved spaces for weekend vendors and organized paid parking (similar to Pondy Bazaar) could go a long way in easing congestion, they added.

A section of residents of Anna Nagar Fifth Avenue and adjacent streets, including those living around Anna Nagar Tower Park, have raised concerns over worsening weekend traffic jams. They attributed the traffic snarl to the growing number of pushcarts and street vendors occupying the roadsides. They also complained that trucks and roadside stalls leave behind large amounts of trash and plastic waste.

Despite police putting up barricades and keeping a close watch on the area, dangerous stunt riding by young people is still a growing problem. Groups of young riders are often seen cycling and on weekends the roads are crowded. Residents said they also use narrow lanes behind food streets for such reckless driving. They suggested that the new government should study the area’s traffic and come up with a plan and that vendors should be given space for their businesses without disrupting traffic.

A senior traffic police officer in charge of the zone said, “We are constantly monitoring the area. The police have also removed vehicles parked in unauthorized zones from time to time. Barricades have also been put up to prevent rash driving at night.”

Published – 19 Jul 2026 23:57 IST