Puducherry Traffic Safety Deteriorates as Illegal Wrong-Side Driving Surges
Puducherry authorities face a growing crisis as motorists increasingly bypass one-way regulations on major arterial roads. Heavy enforcement near J.N. Street has resulted in over 500 citations as officials struggle to curb dangerous maneuvers.
Systemic One-Way Violations Overwhelm Boulevard District
Puducherry's primary corridors are experiencing a sharp increase in traffic violations as motorists frequently navigate the wrong way against the flow of traffic. What was once isolated to Ambalathadayar Madam Street and the major junctions at Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi Squares has now permeated the Boulevard area. Specifically, arterial routes like Jawaharlal Nehru (J.N.) Street and Dumas Street are seeing daily infractions that jeopardize law-abiding commuters.
Dangerous Shortcuts and Driver Behavior
Urban planners and traffic officials identify a persistent behavioral trend where two-wheeler riders and car drivers opt for illegal maneuvers to bypass U-turns or reduce travel time. On July 26, 2026, observers noted a significant number of vehicles entering Nehru Street directly from Ambour Salai and Gingee Salai, moving contrary to designated traffic patterns. The preference for these shortcuts over utilizing the proper route via Ambalathadayar Madam Street creates high risks for head-on collisions.
Key areas currently impacted by these violations include:
- Ambalathadayar Madam Street: A primary site for persistent wrong-side entry.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Street: Frequent violations despite a nearby traffic police presence.
- Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi Squares: Major junctions facing flow disruptions.
- East Coast Road (ECR): A focus for ongoing enforcement efforts.
Enforcement Struggles and Law Enforcement Response
Local authorities acknowledge that while 'No Entry' signage is prominently displayed, it is often ignored. A senior Traffic Police official reported that 545 individuals were cited for wrong-side driving during a targeted enforcement drive over the past week. However, consistent policing remains difficult. Officers noted that regular enforcement is sometimes sidelined by competing priorities, such as handling public protests and managing general traffic congestion.
An urban planner highlighted that the issue stems from a systemic mindset where drivers view wrong-way access as a convenience rather than a hazard. While the police department aims to shift this cultural behavior through sustained penalties, the immediate reality on Puducherry's streets remains one of heightened risk for those traveling in the correct direction.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
