Persistent traffic congestion continues to plague the vicinity of Gandhi Market, one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs, as vendors operate on narrow roads, severely affecting vehicular movement.
The stretch around Thanjavur Road and adjoining streets, especially Nelpettai Street, where fruit vendors operate, witnesses heavy congestion throughout the day, with motorists and pedestrians struggling to navigate bottlenecks. The situation worsens during peak hours due to unregulated parking and the movement of goods vehicles.
Encroachments by vendors have significantly reduced the effective width of roads, forcing vehicles to squeeze through limited space. In several stretches, what was once a two-way road has effectively turned into a single-lane passage, increasing the risk of accidents and delays.
The problem is aggravated by trucks halting along the roadside for loading and unloading goods, sometimes for hours. Haphazard parking by customers and traders adds to the chaos. The road became narrower, and traffic snarls have become a routine, putting the safety of commuters at risk.
Commuters say vendors frequently extend their stalls onto the carriageway, leaving little room for traffic. With buses, two-wheelers, and autorickshaws competing for space, pedestrians are often pushed onto the road.
“With buses and other heavy vehicles passing through the stretch, motorists are often forced to wait long to navigate the road. Haphazard parking of trucks has further aggravated the situation,” N. Thangavel, said a commuter.
While the market continues to attract a steady flow of wholesale and retail buyers, the lack of strict enforcement has resulted in frequent standstills, particularly during weekends.
Road users have repeatedly urged authorities to strictly enforce parking norms around Gandhi Market, but no permanent solution has been provided so far. N. Jamaludeen, a civic activist, said, “Traffic congestion near the market due to encroachments is a long-standing issue, but the authorities continue to turn a blind eye.”