Pedestrians on Duraisamy Road battle vehicles, debris for space

The road begins dangerously for pedestrians at the Pangal Park junction. The area, which sees high footfall due to the various shops, has no viable pathway for pedestrians. 

The parking area of Nalli Silks and Saravana Stores takes up the stretch with pedestrians having to battle share autos and other vehicles for space. Further along the stretch, any semblance of a footpath disappears completely. 

Those on foot have to use the narrow road that connects either side of the Duraisamy subway, even as vehicles zoom past them at high speeds. As one exits the other side of the subway, the pavements are rife with encroachments. 

Shops in the area can be seen leaving their wares out in the footpath. Street furniture such as junction boxes are placed in the middle of footpaths, forcing pedestrians on the road to go around them. 

Cars and two-wheelers belonging to residents in the apartments on the road and to the employees and customers of shops are seen parked on the footpath, obstructing the way. 

Krishnan, the owner of a small eatery said, “My customers have nowhere to park. We try not to block the pavement, but I have no choice. The road is packed and crowded so leaving vehicles by the roadside is not an option.” 

On the other side of the road, close to Ramakrishna Ashram, large steel beams have been discarded on the pavement, leaving no room. The other side sees a police booth also on the pavement and a few abandoned vending carts. 

All of this contributes to the chaotic traffic on the road. One of the few stretches has pavement with very poor quality. The concrete is broken in several parts, making the pavement uneven and dangerous. 

Some passers-by complain that they could easily trip and fall – and be susceptible to road accidents. Seethalakshmi, a long-time resident of the road, said, “I have lived here for decades and it has always been this way. 

The vehicles pile up every evening as this is a busy road with all the shoppers going to and from T Nagar passing through. Nothing has been done to make the street pedestrian friendly. I am old and I am afraid to walk on the road, especially in the evenings. 

Shops use the pavements for parking and don’t think about the problems faced by people. People even park in the area in front of my house and block the way. The road is also dug up once in every few months, making the situation worse.”