Motorcyclists ride down a walkway at the underpass on Rajaji Salai

B. Mani was walking down a pedestrian walkway at the underpass on Rajaji Salai near the Port of Chennai and the office of the Reserve Bank of India, when he noticed a motorcyclist coming down the walkway and then he found two others follow suit.

He was surprised that motorists were violating traffic rules with impunity at this underpass.

Pedestrians using this underpass have requested the Greater Chennai Corporation to coordinate with Chennai Traffic Police and ensure action is taken against errant motorists.

As per the traffic rule book, motorcyclists coming from Kamarajar Salai and proceeding towards Broadway bus terminus should come either through NSC Bose Road or take a right turn at the intersection of Rajaji Salai, Beach Road and NSC Bose Road. But, they ride through the walkway at the underpass and proceed in the opposite direction on North Fort Road to the dismay of motorists coming from the Broadway bus terminus.

Similarly, motorists coming from Broadway and proceeding towards Kamarajar Salai via Rajaji Salai should either come through NSC Bose Road or North Fort Road. But, they come in the opposite direction, on the the stretch along Burma Bazaar, abutting the underpass.

For want of adequate lighting facilities, sections of the underpass are plunged in darkness at night. Late in the night, the facility is said to be used by tipplers and vagabonds.

A Chennai Traffic Police Official, said, “As the facility comes under the jurisdiction of Greater Chennai Corporation, the civic body has to make a representation about the problem to CTP. Based on the petition, necessary action will be taken.”