Poorly-lit Arumparthapuram bypass puts motorists in a spot

Absence of streetlights on the Arumparthapuram bypass has made commuting difficult for vehicle users, especially at night.

The bypass, laid to ease traffic congestion on the Puducherry-Villianur Road, was thrown open to the public after much delay.

Every day, hundreds of motorists use the road to get to Indira Gandhi square and Villianur by avoiding traffic snarls. Residents of the areas along the bypass, including Arumparthapuram, Villianur, Kamban Nagar, use the road regularly.

However, road users say that using the stretch in the evening hours poses serious risk as it remains pitch dark after 6.30 p.m. Several accidents have been reported owing to the absence of streetlights and multiple curves on the road.

On the northern side of the bypass, near the intersection of the rail overbridge at Villianur, the only streetlight that glows is the one near the Thirukanchi Road. From this point till the 100-feet Road, there is no streetlight at all.

The area has witnessed an upswing in real estate activity after the opening of the bypass. Barricades have been set up on both sides of the road to warn drivers of the vehicles entering the highway from the numerous approach roads. However, after sunset, the stretch turns nearly invisible, making it risky for road users.

According to S. Prabhagaran, a resident of Arumparthapuram, “Lack of proper lighting not only makes it difficult for vehicle users to navigate the highway safely, but also increases the risk of road accidents. There is a need to make at least temporary lighting arrangements on the stretch to ensure the safety of commuters.”

According to an urban planner, “Streetlights must be a part of every newly laid road, whether it is the National Highway or not. When the PWD took up the bypass project, the residents thought they would install the lights after completing the road work. The authorities should not ignore this stretch since it is turning into a major corridor.”

PWD officials say it is only a matter of time before the stretch is completely illuminated.

At present, a few works on the bypass are in progress. Once it is over, streetlights will be installed, and the road will be well-lit.