Chennai: A malfunctioning traffic signal at the Ramaswami Mudalaiyar School junction near Ambattur has led to traffic congestion, wrong-side driving, and inconvenience for motorists, with residents urging authorities to restore normal traffic flow at the earliest.The 12-km Ambattur-Red Hills Road serves as a key corridor connecting areas such as Puzhal, Surapet, Kallikuppam, Kathirvedu and Ambattur OT. With the rapid growth of residential neighbourhoods, schools and commercial establishments, the stretch witnesses heavy traffic throughout the day.The signal was barricaded and closed nearly two weeks ago. Vehicles travelling from Cholambedu Road towards TI Cycle Factory and Ambattur railway station are now being diverted through Krishnapuram, Raaki Theatre and Ambattur OT Bus Stand, forcing motorists to take a longer route. Residents from Nehru Nagar, Sathyapuram, Thiruvengada Nagar, Vivek Nagar and Krishnapuram said the diversion has increased travel time and shifted traffic onto narrow interior roads.Since vehicles cannot cross at the junction, many riders travel nearly 300m ahead to take a U-turn, while others choose to drive against traffic to save time, residents said.“With three schools in the locality, a non-functional signal is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Almost every day, accidents occur, and people suffer injuries. There are no traffic police personnel to regulate traffic,” said M Arun Prakash, a resident of Ambattur.S Suresh, president of united welfare association, Ambattur, said motorists travelling from Avadi and Thirumullaivoyal frequently use Cholambedu High Road to avoid congestion at Ambattur OT. “Since the junction near the private school is barricaded, many motorists continue on the wrong side for nearly 250m before driving onto the correct lane,” he said.He also said, “Every day after 6pm, it takes at least 45 minutes to travel 3km from our residential area to Ambattur telephone exchange. Pushcart eateries and haphazard parking of vehicles worsen the traffic congestion.”Traffic police officers said the signal has been malfunctioning due to electrical issues. “A proposal has been sent to replace the signal pole, and necessary action will be taken at the earliest. Motorists riding on the wrong side will be fined,” an officer said.
