In a significant move to decongest a vital city artery, the state highways department in Trichy executed a major anti-encroachment drive on Wednesday. The action targeted illegal structures along the busy Thanjavur Main Road, a key connector between Gandhi Market and Palpannai Junction.
Massive Drive Following Collector's Directive
The operation was carried out on the instructions of District Collector V Saravanan. Officials focused on a congested 2km-long stretch of the road, which is critically important for bus movement to and from the Chathiram bus stand towards Thuvakudi. The department removed a wide array of temporary encroachments from more than 200 shops in the area.
The list of removed obstructions included:
- Protruding shop roofs and extensions
- Unauthorized billboards and advertisements
- Pushcarts and mobile stalls
- Illegally laid cement ramps in front of commercial properties
Prior Notice and Voluntary Compliance
An official from the state highways department confirmed that the action was not abrupt. "Prior notices were served to the shops encroaching on the road and pavements. Some shops voluntarily removed [the encroachments] after receiving the notice," the official stated. This process ensured that shopkeepers were aware of the impending action and had an opportunity to comply on their own.
Addressing a Key Cause of Traffic Jams
The primary motivation behind the drive was to tackle severe traffic congestion. The Road Safety Council had specifically identified these encroachments as a major contributor to traffic bottlenecks on the route. With numerous buses from the Chathiram bus stand using this road, the illegal structures narrowed the carriageway, slowing down vehicular movement and posing safety risks to pedestrians and motorists alike.
In a related development, the Trichy Corporation has also planned its own eviction drive on a different section of the same corridor. The civic body intends to clear encroachments between the Prabath Theatre Roundabout and Gandhi Market Junction, located near the World War I memorial. This indicates a coordinated, multi-agency effort to reclaim public space and improve mobility across the city.
The successful removal of over 200 encroachments marks a decisive step towards smoother traffic flow on one of Trichy's most important roads. It underscores the administration's focus on enforcing civic regulations and addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges highlighted by safety councils.
