Sastri Nagar is witnessing a traffic nightmare — a diversion within a diversion — that has left residents anxious, inconvenienced, and increasingly frustrated.
Since September 2024, traffic from L.B. Road (Adyar to Thiruvanmiyur) has been diverted through 1st Main Road, Sastri Nagar, forcing a steady flow of speeding vehicles through the otherwise quiet residential area. The situation turned tragic in November last year when a fatal accident claimed one life and injured three pedestrians.
Now, matters have worsened. Earlier this week, the 1st Main Road (near the overhead tank junction) was dug up, leading to a fresh diversion through the narrow interior lanes — 1st Cross, 11th Cross, and Ellaiamman Koil Street. The sudden move has caused severe congestion, with residents calling it unbearable.
“We’re unable to step out, take our vehicles out, or even walk safely!” voiced many residents unanimously. Resident G. Ramprasad expressed frustration over the situation, saying, “The digging came without any prior notice. It’s highly imprudent to channel all vehicles, including heavy vehicles through such narrow streets.”
A local doctor shared that during an emergency call, he was unable to drive out due to digging on one side and to the confusion and gridlock on the other. The ongoing festival season has only compounded the problem, as shoppers flock to the multiple commercial avenues scattered throughout the locality.
Residents are now urging authorities to act swiftly and restore order. “We just want our streets back,” said one exhausted resident, hoping for a quick resolution to the ongoing traffic turmoil.
