Coimbatore Police Enforces Nighttime Flyover Ban to Enhance Road Safety
In a decisive move aimed at reducing road accidents, the Coimbatore city police have imposed a ban on motorists using several major flyovers during night hours. The restriction, effective from 11pm to 6am, applies to key elevated structures including the GD Naidu flyover on Avinashi Road, as well as flyovers at Ramanathapuram, Ukkadam, and Gandhipuram Road. This initiative comes in response to a troubling pattern of accidents reported on these routes during late-night periods.
Rising Accident Rates Prompt Strict Measures
According to police data, between October 2025 and March 2026, seven non-fatal accidents were documented on the GD Naidu flyover alone. A recent tragic incident involved the death of a 22-year-old auto driver, G Mariyasamy, in a road accident on the Singanallur flyover. City Police Commissioner N Kannan highlighted that analysis of accident statistics revealed many motorists were driving at excessively high speeds on these flyovers, leading to collisions. "Flyovers are primarily constructed to alleviate traffic congestion," Kannan explained. "However, with minimal traffic on city roads after 11pm, motorists can easily utilize alternative routes. We have also received reports of youths engaging in illegal racing activities on flyovers late at night. This ban is designed to prevent such dangerous behaviors and fatal accidents."
Public Response and Practical Considerations
K Kathirmathiyon, Secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, expressed support for the police action, noting that it is a proactive step towards public safety. He emphasized that the ban should be flexible, with police prepared to allow access if traffic volumes increase during night hours. "Only flyovers with viable alternative routes have been included in this restriction," Kathirmathiyon stated. "Therefore, the move is not expected to cause significant inconvenience to the general public. It strikes a balance between safety and practicality."
The flyovers in question, such as those on Trichy Road and Avinashi Road, were originally built to ease traffic congestion in Coimbatore. However, their design and limited traffic during late hours have inadvertently encouraged risky driving practices. By redirecting vehicles to ground-level roads during the night, authorities aim to mitigate the risk of accidents and curb illegal racing, ultimately fostering a safer urban environment for all residents and commuters.
