Top police official’s accident a sign of growing crisis in North Chennai’s arterial roads insidelooknews

Container traffic movement on GNT Road in Chennai on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: M.VEDHAN

In a shocking reminder of the persistent traffic and safety concerns plaguing North Chennai, the official car of Avadi City Police Commissioner K. Shankar was severely damaged in a collision involving two heavy vehicles on the busy Grand Northern Trunk (GNT) Road near Sholavaram on Monday morning. The accident occurred during peak hours when a maxi truck and a container lorry collided, crushing the Commissioner’s vehicle in the process. Mr. Shankar, however, was safely rescued from the rear of the car as the vehicle doors were jammed.

GNT Road, a vital link connecting Chennai to Kolkata via the National Highway, has increasingly become a hotspot for road accidents, especially involving heavy commercial vehicles.

Both from the commuters’ experience and from a record of incidents on the road, it is clear that there is a growing risk to motorists on the roads of northern Chennai. This is primarily because these arterial roads serve as transit corridors for container trucks, tankers, and trailers heading to and from the region’s industrial and port hubs. With the Ennore Expressway, Manali Oil Refinery Road, and the Thiruvottiyur–Ponneri–Panchetti (TPP) Road handling the bulk of this traffic, residents and regular commuters on the stretch have raised alarm over deteriorating road conditions and poor traffic management.

The heavy movement of trucks servicing Kattupalli Adani Port, Kamarajar Port in Ennore, and over 45 Container Freight Stations (CFS) in the vicinity has progressed faster than the area’s road infrastructure. TPP and adjoining roads have become severely congested, with 7,000 to 9,000 commercial vehicles reportedly passing through daily.

Commuters in localities including Manali, Madhavaram, Ponneri, Ernavur, Ennore, and Thiruvottiyur are particularly affected. N. Sridhar, a motorist from Ponneri, said: “Accidents are common here. Most victims are two-wheeler riders who either collide with container trucks or are hit by them. Drivers often speed and occupy the entire carriageway, leaving little room for others.”

S. Suresh Babu, an advocate and an activist based in Gummidipoondi, noted: “Most two-wheeler deaths occur when trailers either hit or are hit by bikes. The sheer weight of these vehicles and their constant movement damages the roads quickly, and authorities are slow to repair potholes.” M. Dinakaran, Joint Secretary of the Merchants Welfare Association in Thiruvalluvar district, highlighted that additionally, dust and pollution from the traffic exacerbate health and safety risks. “Crossing roads near the Madhavaram junction is a nightmare. Dust clouds, coupled with constant truck movement, make it hazardous for commuters,” he said.

A retired traffic police officer points out that driver behavious is also an issue here. He explained further: “ The drivers of trucks are rash and careless. Some of them don’t bother to look into the side mirror while turning the vehicle. Many drivers operate long vehicles—up to 60 feet—without adequate sleep or rest. They often ignore rearview and side mirrors, turn recklessly, and block the carriageway while racing for load assignments.”

Truckers, meanwhile, on their part, highlight the lack of basic amenities. A. Ganesh Bangera, president of the Tamil Nadu Mini Lorry Owners’ and Suppliers Association, argued: “The number of industries and vehicles has gone up, but the roads have not been widened. There are no dedicated truck bays or rest areas. Drivers are forced to wait on roadsides due to delays in entry passes from factories.”

Despite all these challenges, police officials say they have constantly been working on measures to curb accidents in this part of the city. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Avadi City Police, C. Sangu stated that there are two ports In Avadi area – Kattupalli Adani Port and Kamarajar Port. Heavy vehicle movement from ports is now being regulated in phases to reduce congestion. “We cannot completely restrict port-bound trucks to night-time due to operational needs. However, we are coordinating with port authorities to ensure that trucks are accommodated within their premises during peak hours,” he said.

Another police officer claimed steps such as imposing fines for violations and enhanced monitoring have led to a reduction in accidents compared to previous years.

Still, experts and residents insist that unless infrastructure is significantly upgraded and proper traffic planning implemented, the roads in North Chennai will continue to be treacherous for everyday commuters.