Traffic police withdraw new OMR U-turn as trial triggers 2-to-3-hour traffic delays

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) withdrew a U-turn trial on OMR after it resulted in heavy traffic on Wednesday.

Intended to streamline traffic around the Thoraipakkam-Perungudi stretch, the experiment turned into a nightmare for commuters.

Following the GCTP’s implementation of new U-turn restrictions in connection with the ongoing Metro Rail and road alignment works, OMR witnessed traffic slow to a crawl.

The traffic changes were implemented with effect from Wednesday to reduce traffic congestion and regulate vehicular movement on Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR) and in the Thoraipakkam area.

As per the announcement, vehicles proceeding towards Sholinganallur from Mettukuppam and Pillayar Kovil Street are prohibited from making a U-turn near Geetham restaurant. They should instead take the U-turn at the Perungudi toll booth. The traffic police have also introduced three more U-turns on OMR.