Chennai, 12 January (H.S.) : The ongoing construction of the TEYNAMPET to SAIDAPET elevated road on Anna Salai has created significant safety concerns for visitors attending the 49th Chennai Book Fair at the YMCA grounds in Nandanam.

With the original pavements removed for the flyover project, pedestrians arriving by Metro and bus are being forced to walk directly on the arterial road alongside fast moving traffic.

Visitors reported that they have to stay dangerously close to compound walls to avoid accidents, particularly during the weekends when the fair experiences a surge in footfall. Students and residents have complained that the uneven road surfaces and sharp edges from demolished concrete footpaths pose a serious risk of injury.

In response to these challenges, a book fair organizer stated that they have arranged MTC mini buses to transport visitors from the Nandanam Metro station to the venue safely.

A traffic police official mentioned that while they cannot allow street booksellers on the remaining space to avoid further congestion, they plan to use barricades or cones to create a dedicated walking space for pedestrians.

An official from the Highways Department explained that the road has been extended up to the compound walls due to the flyover work, effectively eliminating the old footpaths.

The department is currently undergoing land acquisition proceedings involving portions of local colleges and has promised to coordinate with traffic police to implement temporary safety measures for the duration of the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary