In view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city on Wednesday to take part in a public meeting at Kilambakkam near Vandalur in Kancheepuram district, the flow of heavy vehicles towards the venue will be restricted from noon.
Ahead of the PM’s visit, senior police officers held a meeting on Tuesday to plan the traffic and security arrangements. A senior official of the Chennai Traffic Police said, “Heavy vehicles will be diverted at Maduravoyal Bypass towards Poonamallee and from Radial Road towards Old Mahabalipuram Road. Depending on the traffic pile-up in Vandalur, we will make diversions. As of now, other vehicles will not be disturbed.”
Their counterparts in Kancheepuram said around 1,300 personnel will be deployed to manage traffic. “The heavy vehicles will be diverted at Chengalpattu towards Oragadam, and those coming from Chennai will be diverted at Old Mahabalipuram Road towards Tirukalukundram to reach Chengalpattu,” an official said.
Residents expressed concern, with some seeking information about the PM’s schedule on social media. “I am just concerned as the Old Mahabalipuram Road will be choked if vehicles are diverted there,” said Yatheesh, a resident of Thoraipakkam.
People were also concerned about travelling out of the city by bus. “If the programme gets delayed, buses will be held up in traffic,” said Usha Ramani, a businesswoman.