Trichy witnessed unprecedented traffic chaos on Monday during Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's maiden visit to the city after assuming office. The Trichy city police enforced extensive traffic diversions, leading to the mid-way termination of city bus operations. Passengers were compelled to walk for kilometers to board connecting buses, causing widespread inconvenience.
Bus Stand Closure and Event Details
The Chathiram bus terminus, a crucial hub for city buses, was closed for the CM's visit, drawing public ire. The TVK event was held at St Joseph's College ground near the bus stand to thank voters of the Trichy East constituency, which elected CM by a margin of 27,416 votes. Only 5,000 attendees were permitted by the party. Although the meeting was scheduled to begin at 4pm, police announced traffic diversions as early as 10am, attracting criticism.
Impact on Commuters
Instead of operating from Chathiram bus terminus, both TNSTC and private city buses halted near Holy Cross College and at Mambalasalai, Srirangam. "I was not aware of traffic diversions. A fellow passenger advised me to walk for 4km to board the connecting bus at the Main guard gate," said S Shanthi, a passenger from Ariyalur. Several families with children walked to temporary boarding points between Srirangam and Main guard gate via the Cauvery bridge. Some opted for autorickshaws to escape the sultry weather.
T Selvaraj, an auto driver, suggested: "G Corner railway ground and Mannarpuram military ground could have been used, as they are closer to the airport and highways."
Police Response
Police claimed that shuttle bus services were operated between the temporary halting points to assist passengers. "Chathiram bus stand was open till 12.30pm. Even when it was closed, TNSTC operated shuttle buses. The crowd was higher than expected. We had to divert the traffic," said N Kamini, Commissioner of Police, Trichy city. However, police refused to comment on the choice of the venue.
Earlier, the CM arrived at Trichy airport on a special flight and conducted an informal roadshow through Wireless road, KK Nagar, and Mannarpuram areas, necessitating the traffic diversions.
