Illegal parking near two bus stops in Chennai’s George Town has disrupted bus operations, forced passengers onto the carriageway and contributed to traffic congestion on Ibrahim Sahib Road and Rajaji Road, according to a report by DT Next.
The affected locations are the Thambu (C) Street and Collectorate Office bus stops. The problem has intensified after the temporary Royapuram bus terminus was established on Ibrahim Sahib Main Road, increasing both public movement and the number of buses operating through the area.
Vehicles are reportedly parked daily along the roads near the two stops. When buses pull over to pick up or drop off passengers, the available road space narrows further, causing traffic snarls and making it difficult for buses to serve the stops safely.
Passengers also face difficulties reaching the bus stops. With parked vehicles occupying roadside space, commuters have to move around them while waiting for buses. Some passengers are forced to stand on the carriageway, exposing them to moving traffic. Senior citizens and other passengers with limited mobility are particularly affected, residents told DT Next.
“Some are forced to stand on the road while waiting for buses. Senior citizens and others face difficulties as they have to walk around the parked vehicles,” passenger Sudha said. She also said the lack of adequate parking space was contributing to vehicles being left in public areas and worsening congestion.
Residents said the roadside parking involved vehicles belonging to people living in the area as well as travel agencies. Nagalakshmi, a resident, said police officials had already warned people against parking in the area, but alleged that the absence of enforcement had allowed the problem to continue.
The traffic problem extends beyond parking. Motorists travelling from the Bharathi Women’s College junction towards the temporary Royapuram bus stop have also been accused by residents of violating the one-way traffic rule. Residents said such violations create accident risks near the Linghi Chetty Street turn, close to the bus stop.
The reported changes around the temporary terminus have placed additional pressure on streets that must accommodate buses, pedestrians, parked vehicles and through traffic at the same time. At the bus stops, the conflict is most visible when passengers wait beside the carriageway while buses attempt to stop amid parked vehicles.
A traffic police official told DT Next that vehicles parked near the bus stops would be removed at the earliest. The official also said appropriate fines would be imposed on those violating parking rules in the area.
The proposed removal of vehicles and imposition of fines are the immediate enforcement measures identified by the traffic police in response to the complaints. The report did not specify the timing of the enforcement drive or whether a longer-term parking arrangement would be introduced near the two bus stops.
