Besant Nagar Traffic updates for smooth festival flow

Besant Nagar Traffic in Chennai is set for major diversions as the annual Annai Velankanni festival begins. The celebrations at Annai Velankanni Church kicked off on Friday with a flag-hoisting ceremony by George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the city. The 11-day festival, which continues till September 8, draws large crowds, prompting the Greater Chennai City Traffic Police to issue detailed traffic advisories for certain days during the festival.

Authorities have outlined specific routes and diversions to ensure smooth traffic flow while maintaining pedestrian safety. Vehicles coming from Thiru.Vi.Ka Bridge and S.V. Patel Road, heading toward Besant Avenue and the Besant Nagar Bus Terminus, will be restricted at Aavin Park (ML Park). These vehicles are advised to use L.B. Road to reach their destinations, helping reduce congestion around the church area.

Besant Nagar Traffic- MTC bus diversions and road closures

In addition to general traffic, MTC bus services have also been rerouted. Buses from M.L. Park heading to the Besant Nagar Bus Terminus via Besant Avenue will follow a new route through L.B. Road, Shastri Nagar 1st Avenue, Shastri Nagar 1st Main Road, M.G. Road, and Besant Nagar 1st Main Road to reach their destination safely. Similarly, buses departing from Besant Nagar Bus Terminus toward Thiruvanmiyur and Adyar Signal will be diverted through Besant Nagar 1st Avenue, Shastri Nagar 1st Avenue, Shastri Nagar 1st Main Road, and M.G. Road to join L.B. Road before continuing toward their destinations.

To manage pedestrian inflow, vehicles will not be allowed to move toward Annai Velankanni Church from the junction of 7th Avenue and M.G. Road during peak festival hours. This measure is aimed at reducing potential traffic jams near the church and ensuring the safety of thousands of devotees walking to the venue.

Tips for commuters during the festival

City drivers and daily commuters are advised to plan alternate routes in advance to avoid delays. Using public transport where possible is recommended, especially on days with the highest expected crowd turnout. Local authorities are also deploying additional traffic personnel to monitor intersections and assist motorists with diversions.

For residents and visitors near Besant Nagar, it is essential to follow traffic signs and police instructions. Temporary restrictions and detours are implemented to allow smooth movement for both vehicles and pedestrians. Awareness about these measures can prevent unnecessary delays and ensure that festival-goers can reach the church without difficulty.

The festival’s significance and high attendance underscore the need for meticulous traffic management. By coordinating with bus operators, traffic police, and community volunteers, city authorities aim to minimize congestion and provide a safe experience for everyone attending the Annai Velankanni celebrations. Also Read: Actor Madhavan Faces Struggle Amid Torrential Rains in Leh: Heartbreaking Travel Chaos 2025

Conclusion

The Besant Nagar Traffic advisories for the Annai Velankanni festival reflect proactive planning by city authorities to manage one of Chennai’s busiest annual events. With clear instructions for diversions, bus routes, and road closures, commuters and festival-goers can navigate the area more efficiently. Residents and travelers are encouraged to follow guidelines and plan ahead for a smooth travel experience during the 11-day celebration.