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NT Bureau
Chennai, Jan 22:

        Traffic signals have be come so much a part of the man on the move that without them there is bound to be chaos. As often happens when for some reason or the other the lights are switched off. But that, luckily, happens once in a way.

        T Nagar is known for its milling crowds, its chaotic traffic and frayed tempers of those on the road. One thing at least, they obey the signals. Here comes the surprise. The signal on Thyagaraya Road - which runs from Pondy Bazaar to Teynampet - is not switched on at all.

        It's not because of a fault, News Today came to know. One of the traffic policemen said, 'if this signal is operated traffic slows down. This leads to congestion both at Pondy Bazaar (at the intersection of Dr Nair Road) and near Residency Towers junction. So we engage two traffic regulators near Thanikachalam Road and two other near the Residency Towers junction during peak hours. That eases free vehicle to an extent.'

        Quite a few drivers and shopkeepers felt differently, Santhosh, who runs a fresh fruit juice shop, said that because the signal does not work, vehicles which turn right towards Dr Nair Road and vehicles which go towards Teynampet signal get jammed. 'It is mayhem during peak hours, often there are accidents, lucky not serious, because the drivers are forced to go slow.' The signal must be used, they said.

        Radhika, of Holy Angels, said, 'It is a torture cycling to school. We cannot cross this junction as the traffic is not organised'. Rajesh who works in Kasi Arcade, suggests that this signal could be replaced near Residency towers junction.

        This will make things easy for those who wish turn left to GN Chetty Road while a right turn makes it easy to reach Nandanam. Motorists, as well the police, say this junction is prone to congestion, so a signal here would be of great help.