The Hindu : Other States / Pondicherry News : In tourist paradise, traffic is simply hellish

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 29, 2004

Other States

Other States - Pondicherry

In tourist paradise, traffic is simply hellish

By S. Nadarajan

PONDICHERRY, JUNE 27. Pondicherry has often been projected as `the ultimate destination' for tourists. Authorities have used this tagline to showcase the Union Territory's unique culture as a tourist paradise.

But chaotic traffic conditions have done little to help carry forward this brand image. Reckless driving, especially of goods carriers, in residential areas have become a threat to pedestrians and cyclists.

Recently, a pedestrian had a providential escape when a heavy bundle fell off a moving goods carrier. These vehicles are often overloaded with construction materials and driven at break-neck speed with impunity.

Haphazard parking and speeding are common. The lack of traffic discipline among cyclists and autorickshaw drivers has only made matters worse. A senior police official said introduction of spot-fines was the only means to deter violators.

There is no clear demarcation between shopping centres and residential areas within the boulevard limits of Pondicherry. Slow pace of the road widening work of the Pondicherry-Villupuram highway, beyond Ellapillaichavady, has made this stretch dangerous for vehicle-users at night. The highway is busy all-round the clock as it is used by the intra-State and inter-State passenger town buses and goods vehicles.

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