In recent weeks, Chennai has been adorned with numerous “Road Raja” awareness campaign boards aimed at promoting responsible driving behavior and reducing road violations. However, the initiative has sparked concerns among residents regarding the source of funding and the safety of these installations on major roads.
The widespread presence of these boards on main roads has raised safety concerns, with some expressing worries about the stability of the installations, citing instances where they appear to be tethered to poles with seemingly flimsy materials.
An example – this board appears to be tied up to the streetlight pole using a flimsy piece of rope/material…
How long before it gives away and falls on a motorist?
Are the lives of road users so cheap in #chennai ? #roads #roadsafety #traffic #accident https://t.co/yMgB02Ow20 pic.twitter.com/c5sz9a0QDw— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 15, 2024
All across #chennai city, there's "Road Raja" awareness campaign boards…
Wondering where all this money is coming from? Can ₹₹ be put to better use?
Also wonder if putting up such boards on main roads are safe.. these are tied to poles, can easily fall on motorists. pic.twitter.com/DO1rNKwWuJ
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 15, 2024
The safety of motorists is a paramount concern, as there have been reports of accidents caused by flagpoles and banners falling onto the roads. Critics argue that the real “Road Raja” – referring to rule violators and those endangering public safety – should be the Chennai Traffic authorities and their leadership.
The real "Road Raja" (Rule violator and person endangering public safety is the @ChennaiTraffic and their leadership)
How do they justify erecting 100s or 1000s of boards on major roads… ? Is it legal?
Motorists have died because of flagpoles/such banners falling down https://t.co/yMgB02Ow20
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 15, 2024
Addressing wrong-side driving and stop-line violations, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) has launched a series of short films directed by Vignesh Shivan. The first film, titled ‘Neenga Road Raja Va?’ (Are You the King of Road), emphasises responsible driving behaviour and urges motorists to report wrong-side drivers to the police.
While the awareness campaign has its merits, concerns linger over the safety of the boards erected on major roads. The method of securing these boards to streetlight poles with potentially hazardous materials raises questions about the overall consideration for public safety.
It is noteworthy to remember that in 2019, a young woman, identified as R. Subasri, 22, from Nemilicheri, Chromepet, was run over by a water tanker when a banner fell onto her two-wheeler as she was riding on the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road in Pallikaranai.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Metropolitan Chennai Traffic Police has clarified that these awareness banners aim to ensure that people follow traffic rules diligently. Moreover, it aligns with the ongoing Road Safety Month, marked by a recent rally led by Transport Minister Sivashankar, emphasizing the need for road safety in light of the high number of accidents and fatalities each year.
A Road Safety initiative from #GreaterChenaniTrafficPolice#roadraja #TrafficAwareness #RoadSafety @SandeepRRathore @R_Sudhakar_Ips pic.twitter.com/QHShMkz8GB
— Road Raja (@roadraja) February 14, 2024
Promotional posters accompanying the films have been strategically placed in major junctions across the city to maximise outreach. Additional Commissioner of Traffic R. Sudhakar commended the GCTP’s efforts in reducing fatal accidents through initiatives like e-challans automation and awareness campaigns, resulting in a notable decline in fatality rates.
With over 60,000 cases booked for wrong-side driving in 2023, the GCTP encourages citizens to contribute to road safety efforts by reporting violations, emphasising the collective responsibility to ensure safer roads for all.
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