Haphazard parking near Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam creates chaos for devotees and residents. Thousands of pilgrims visit daily, especially during early morning and evening darshan hours. Vehicles are parked along narrow roads leading to the temple, reducing carriageway space and causing traffic bottlenecks. Tourist vans, buses, and cars occupy both sides of Amma Mandapam Road, Uthirai and Chithira Streets, Thiruvadi Street, and Melur Road. On average, over 400 cars and 50 tourist buses reach the temple daily.
Residents report the problem worsens during weekends and festivals. M Prabhu, a resident, says despite repeated appeals, no streamlined parking system exists. Visitors park wherever they find space, blocking main roads and delaying movement. The absence of a designated parking area near the temple has resulted in unregulated parking along key approach roads. Traffic police are occasionally deployed, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
With the annual Margazhi season and Vaikunta Ekadasi festival approaching, residents urge authorities to establish a permanent solution. Several attempts to create a parking facility have failed because Tiruchi Corporation lacks a sizeable plot for construction. The issue has persisted for years, affecting smooth traffic flow in the temple town.
When infrastructure fails to match devotion, pilgrims suffer. Temples deserve better planning. Authorities must prioritize parking solutions before festivals overwhelm the area. Devotees should not struggle to reach their deity.
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