Date:15/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/15/stories/2008011558460300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Tight security, traffic hold-ups

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: The one-day visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to Chennai on Monday saw the police throwing a security blanket on the city and imposing traffic restrictions that resulted in a pile-up of vehicles and a long wait for motorists at many major intersections.

Around 1,000 persons, who participated in demonstrations against Mr.Modi’s visit, were arrested and released later, police said.

The protests were organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Panagal Maaligai in Saidapet and the Collectorate and by Muslim outfits at Memorial Hall and near Teynampet.

Mr Modi, who arrived here from Kerala by a private aircraft in the morning, drove to a hotel on the Nungambakkam High Road amid tight security. From there, he went to the BJP State headquarters in T. Nagar and spent sometime there before going to former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s residence in Poes Garden for lunch. Later in the evening, he paid a visit to the RSS Office at Chetpet and participated in the ‘Thuglak’ function at Kamarajar Arangam, Teynampet. He left the city late in the evening.

Diversion

As the BJP leader is in the Z-plus category, top priority was given to his security during his visit to the city, a senior police officer said.

Many road-users complained that traffic was diverted or paralysed at various points, including Kathipara junction, 100 feet Road, Saidapet, Little Mount, Teynampet, T.Nagar, Egmore, Poonamallee High Road, Chetpet and other surrounding pockets.

Some others complained that they found it difficult to reach the airport on time, while many Pongal shoppers spent more time in the vehicles. Two-wheeler riders said that on normal days during rush hour, they would cover the distance between T.Nagar and Parrys in 20 minutes. However, it took them more than double the time to reach Parrys.

Many motorists also opted to travel by MRTS train from places such as Velacherry, Thiruvanmiyur, Guindy and Mambalam to reach their offices in Egmore, Parrys and other areas.