Madurai police launch road clearance drive ahead of Chithirai festival

Madurai: Ahead of the annual Chithirai festival at the Meenakshi Amman Temple, set to begin on April 29, Madurai city police have launched a ‘One Day One Road' drive on 12 key roads expected to witness heavy footfall. The initiative aims to regulate parking and clear encroachments for smoother traffic flow and pedestrian access.

The roads include Nethaji Road, TPK Road, Town Hall Road, and the South, West, and East Masi Streets, as well as South Avani Moola Street, North Marrett Street, and West Avani Moola Street — all in the vicinity of the temple.

"Most of these roads, especially the Masi Streets, are narrow and prone to congestion. We're strictly enforcing parking regulations and not allowing vehicles in no-parking zones. Traders are permitted only single-side parking," said a senior traffic police officer. Fines are being imposed on violators, particularly for obstructive parking.

Police are also coordinating with the Madurai Corporation to clear encroachments by vendors and shopkeepers. Traders have been instructed to remove goods, signage, and other obstructions from footpaths.

Vehicles will be directed to the designated parking facilities at the temple. The drive will continue till April 28, after which festival-specific traffic plans will be enforced, especially during major events like the ‘Thirukalyanam', the temple car festival, and the Kallazhagar procession.

The Chithirai festival draws over 15 lakh devotees to Madurai each year.

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