On a stretch of Rajiv Gandhi Salai, finding street lights seem to be a privilege. That’s because you will not even spot lamp posts in some areas.
Drive down the eastern direction towards Vandalur – Kelambakkam Road at Thaiyur, Chenganmal and Kelambakkam and see for yourself. The stretch does not have lamp posts for a long distance. Only a couple of posts are erected on the eastern lane at Thaiyur, facing a residential home and a commercial establishment.
On the western lane of the stretch towards Thiruporur, at Kelambakkam and Chenganmal, the lamp hangs upside down, not serving its full purpose. At Thaiyur, the western lane of the stretch, lamp posts are totally missing.
The saving grace for those residing around and taking this route are the illumination from the commercial establishments on both lanes of the stretch.
The arterial stretch provides connectivity to Thiruporur, Tambaram, Mamallapuram, Poonchery and Guduvanchery.
After sunset, motorists proceeding towards Kelambakkam from Thaiyur and towards Poonchery find it difficult to negotiate the stretch. They face the risk of colliding with their counterparts.
“The stretch is being used by hundreds of motorists and without lights it’s risky to drive down this road,” said N. Nallasivam, a motorist and a resident of Thaiyur.
He said the motorists switch on their vehicle lights in high beam, making it difficult for their counterparts coming in the opposite direction. Pedestrians are at the risk of being knocked down by motorists. The walkers path abutting the carriageway is uneven, stoned and dumped with trash. Pedestrians have no other option, but to walk on the carriageway. They should be careful not to be knocked down by the speeding motorists.
A Kancheepuram District Collectorate official said, “We are unaware of the issue. We will inspect the stretch and install lamp posts with lights.”