Chennai: There was a huge queue of vehicles, more than 8km long, on Villupuram Bypass Road on Monday night as key stretches of the Chennai-Trichy highway (NH 32, formerly NH 45) remained submerged. The road near Iruvelpattu and Arasur was washed away completely, with floodwater flowing across it, making it almost impossible for motorists to pass. Police announced alternate routes, but two diversions were later closed as water levels rose.
On Monday night, Chennai-bound vehicles from southern districts, such as Madurai and Trichy, were rerouted after Asanur to Thirukovilur, then to Tiruvannamalai, and back to Tindivanam via Gingee to rejoin NH 32. This detour added 50km to the usual 100km journey. Vehicles heading south had to turn left at Madupalli junction after Villupuram, proceeding through Panruti to rejoin the highway at Senkurichi.
Despite the reroutes, traffic crawled as alternate roads also suffered waterlogging and heavy rain. It took three hours for vehicles to reach Senkurichi.
Similar disruptions were reported along sections of East Coast Road, further complicating travel. Rail services were equally affected, with 48 trains disrupted. Many south-bound trains skipped the flooded Villupuram section, while Chennai-bound trains diverted via Arakkonam faced delays of about six to eight hours. Some trains were stranded between stations, leaving passengers without food or water. Frustrated travellers were forced to walk to find alternative transport.
Transport minister S S Sivasankar announced 100 special buses to help stranded passengers, particularly those at Villupuram railway station, where trains were halted due to flooding at the Vikravandi-Mundiyampakkam bridge. Southern Railway arranged food and water for passengers stranded in other trains, with services resuming late Monday evening as water levels began to recede. Authorities have advised the public to avoid travel on this route unless it is essential or an emergency.