Absence of traffic delineators complicates traffic movement at Nagercoil’s Parakkai Vilakku junction

The busy three-way junction at Kanniyakumari district’s Parakkai Vilakku which witnesses daily movement of hundreds of vehicles passing towards Suchindram, Kanniyakumari, Manakudy and Nagercoil is in dire need of traffic delineators to ensure smooth movement of traffic through the junction.

The Y-shaped junction connects important routes towards Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari and Manakudy. Flexible plastic delineators were installed on approach roads of the junction, a few months ago to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. However, they were subsequently damaged by vehicles, leaving behind only traces of the dividers.

Residents and road users say the absence of these delineators has made traffic management difficult at the junction. Mini buses and other vehicles often attempt to overtake vehicles travelling in opposite directions, increasing the risk of accidents. They stressed the need to install durable, semi-permanent traffic delineators to clearly separate the lanes and regulate vehicle movement.

A trader, who wishes to remain anonymous said, authorities should deploy police personnel at the junction, at least during the peak hours and traffic delineators to ensure the safe and smooth movement of vehicles.

He added that with the Sabarimala season set to commence in a few weeks, a large number of devotees coming from other parts of the State travel through the junction to reach Suchindram and Kanniyakumari. He urged the authorities to take immediate steps to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the safety of road users during the season.

Abdullah, a local resident, said that the traffic dividers were essential at the entrance to the Parakkai road stretch, where the narrow road posed challenges to motorists. Two-wheelers parked on either side and vehicles approaching from Nagercoil and Manakudy further complicated traffic movement, he added.

When contacted, a traffic wing official said that traffic delineators would be installed at the required locations at the junction within 10 days. He added that the workers responsible for installing road safety equipment would be alerted and necessary measures will be taken.