Arivazhagan S, a resident of Jafferkhanpet, said that heavy vehicle movement on the road has transformed pavements into an extension of the roads. “The pavements run for more than half a kilometre and those plying on the bridge are often held up due to the continuous traffic. Those who have to proceed to Guindy find it easy to take the pavements rather than the road, as they have to inch on the stretch for several minutes due to heavy traffic,” he said.

For pedestrians, the brush with motorists on the pavement is a nightmare. Sundar G, a resident of Saidapet said, “Given the poor condition of the pavements, the ride is not smooth for the commuters. This leaves a lot of room for two commuters to bump into each other. Just the other day, I saw a two-wheeler bumping into a cyclist on the pavement, knocking the latter on to the road. Thankfully, there was no injury. However, one cannot be that lucky always and commuters are at the risk of being mowed down. I haven’t seen a traffic constable pulling up these people. As a result, those getting on the pavements seem to have a free run. It is broad enough to get a steady stream of two-wheelers moving at break-neck speed.”

He added that one cannot reason with the commuters during peak traffic or get into fights with them.

Another regular commuter said on condition of anonymity that he has been directed by the traffic police personnel to use the pavement during peak traffic hours. “Unless they do something about the traffic on the bridge, the pavements are not going to be spared. Two-wheelers are also helpless as the wait due to the traffic is endless,” he alleged.

However, a traffic police inspector in the area claimed that those living in the slums nearby were the biggest defaulters. “We keep an eye out, especially during peak traffic period. However, even imposing fines as high as Rs 1,000 doesn’t seem to deter them,” said the source.