Trichy: IT and ITES professionals commuting to their offices inside Elcot Trichy IT Park in Navalpattu near Trichy International Airport have raised concerns over safety lapses due to inadequate streetlights on the approach road.
Safety concerns on the 100-feet road
The 100-feet road linking the IT park with the Trichy-Pudukottai National Highway lacks proper illumination, posing risks for employees returning late at night. Stray cattle crossing and sleeping on the road are not visible due to poor lighting, increasing the threat of accidents.
Representations by locals and techies to add streetlights have gone unaddressed, as the road falls under the jurisdiction of village panchayats that lack adequate funds for maintenance. The road is smooth, but the absence of lights creates a serious safety hazard for workers, according to R Thiruvenkadam, a social activist from Allur.
Demand for CSR-funded streetlights
Elcot Trichy IT Park is surrounded by Navalpattu, Kumbakudi, and Gundoor panchayats. Activists have urged the district administration to utilize corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to erect streetlights on the stretch. Thiruvenkadam submitted a petition to the district collector on Monday, reiterating the demand for immediate action to improve safety for the thousands of employees working in the IT park.
The lack of lighting not only endangers commuters but also affects the overall security of the area. With the IT sector being a key driver of the local economy, stakeholders emphasize the need for swift intervention to ensure a safe working environment for all professionals.
