Heavy traffic congestion on GST Road as commuters return to Chennai
Vehicles lined up for several kilometres from Chengalpattu Toll Plaza to Perungalathur following the Deepavali holidays.
Lakhs of people returning to Chennai from southern districts caused severe traffic congestion on GST Road, according to ANI. Vehicles formed queues spanning several kilometres between the Chengalpattu Toll Plaza and Perungalathur.
The delays were caused by local traffic, narrow access roads, and railway crossings along the Mahindra World City–Singaperumal Koil stretch. Movement was also impacted near the Vandalur flyover junction, Guduvanchery, and the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus due to a higher volume of buses.
Perungalathur, a primary entry point into the city, saw traffic reach a virtual standstill. Motorists suggested that traffic police should use alternative routes to help manage the flow, noting that such congestion is a recurring issue during festivals.
In Tiruchirappalli, air quality declined as firecrackers were burst outside the permitted hours of 6 am to 7 am and 7 pm to 8 pm. Thick smoke was reported in areas such as the Trichy Airport, TVS Tollgate, Head Post Office Road, KK Nagar Road, and Cantonment Panchapur Bus Terminal.
The smoke created a fog-like effect that reduced visibility on the roads. This led to inconvenience for motorists and reports of several people experiencing breathing difficulties due to the pollution.