Srirangam residents pitch for strengthening Panchakarai Road

Given the increasing traffic congestion in Srirangam, a section of residents have mooted the development of Panchakarai Road along the banks of Kollidam River as an alternative road in the island town.

Panchakarai Road, branching off Tiruchi-Chennai Trunk Road near Kollidam check post, should be strengthened and developed up to the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory, an important leisure attraction at Melur in the city, they say.

The road was strengthened up to the point leading to Vadakku Vasal on the rear side of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple a few years ago, especially after helipads were built on the banks of the Kollidam ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Srirangam.

However, beyond that point it remains a ‘single lane’ poorly-lit road dotted with potholes. Residents also complain of indiscriminate dumping and burning of garbage along the road.