Madurai traffic police implement measures ahead of Diwali shopping rush

Madurai: In anticipation of the Diwali shopping rush around Masi Streets and Veli Streets near Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Madurai city traffic police have introduced new measures, including watch towers, additional CCTV cameras, and the deployment of 200 extra police personnel along with 50 traffic wardens.The initiative aims to manage the expected surge in traffic over the next 10 days leading up to Diwali on Oct 31, ensuring smoother flow and minimizing congestion. Large crowds are anticipated in the shopping areas, prompting authorities to request temporary parking arrangements. The Madurai Corporation has been asked to convert nearby school grounds, such as Saint Mary's and Sethupathi Schools, into temporary parking lots."We've also requested space near the unopened underground parking facility at Periyar Shopping Complex for traders," said S Vanitha, deputy commissioner of police (Traffic). "Blocking vehicle entry to Masi Streets now would disrupt essential services, so we've arranged parking outside the streets for traders during the last five days before Diwali."To monitor the area more efficiently, officials are using autorickshaws instead of four-wheelers. Over 20 CCTV cameras and 15 watch towers have been installed at key locations. "We arranged parking space outside the Masi Streets for traders in the last five days, as we expect more crowds then. Fortunately, no major accidents or mishaps have been reported so far," Vanitha added.On Sunday, thousands crowded the shopping areas around Meenakshi Amman Temple and Periyar bus stand. Critical points such as Vilakuthoon, Munichalai Junction, and Veli Streets were bustling with activity. As vehicles were diverted from Masi Streets, double parking increased, worsening congestion. The multi-level parking facility on Avani Moola Street reached full capacity.Civic activist M Raj Kumar commented, "Parking is always a problem during Diwali, and temporary arrangements are lacking. Opening the multi-level facility, which can accommodate 300 cars and 4,500 bikes, would alleviate the issue. Auto rickshaws should be restricted beyond Vilakuthoon to reduce chaos."Selva Rani, a resident of Anna Nagar, shared her frustration: "The traffic was unbearable. I couldn't park or move for over two hours on Masi Streets. It's a struggle for shoppers."A senior corporation official stated that parking near the unopened Periyar Shopping Complex would be made available in the last five days before Diwali. "We want to preserve the new infrastructure for the official inauguration by the chief minister before the year's end. Additionally, mobile toilets and water tanks will be deployed during the peak days," the official said.Gearing up for Diwali rushDeployment of additional personnel: 200 extra police officers and 50 traffic wardens deployedWatch towers and CCTV cameras: 15 watch towers and over 20 CCTV cameras installed at critical locationsTemporary parking arrangements: Requests were made to convert nearby school grounds, such as Saint Mary's School and Sethupathi School, into temporary parking lotsParking for traders: Parking space allocated for traders outside Masi Streets during the last five days of the Diwali rushCorporation plans: Mobile toilets and water tanks will be set up on the last five days before Diwali
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