Alwarthirunagar junction on Arcot Road has always been a bone of contention for two government agencies — the Greater Chennai Corporation and the State Highways. There has been ambiguity over who should provide basic facilities at the junction.
Because, facts relating to the jurisdiction over this section of Arcot Road have not been set in stone for both departments to see and act accordingly.
As per records, the stretch between Porur junction and Alwarthirunagar junction on Arcot Road is maintained by the State Highways. From Alwarthirunagar junction, the stretch comes under the limits of the Greater Chennai Corporation. However, Corporation says that its limits end near the new Aavin Parlour, a few hundred metres ahead of the Alwarthirunagar junction.
But, the State Highways says that the Corporation’s limits end only at the Alwarthirunagar junction.
As a result, Alwarthirunagar junction lacks basic facilities such as median, footpath, stormwater drains and street lights.
“Due to the lack of median, motorists tend to violates the lane rules at Alwarthirunagar junction,” says B. Pawan Kumar, a resident of Porur.
“Once the widening of Arcot Road begins, which is expected soon, these issues will be sorted out,” says a Corporation official.