GD Naidu Flyover: A Perilous Passage - Motorists Demand Urgent Safety Overhaul

The GD Naidu flyover in Coimbatore, a vital artery connecting Gandhipuram, Sathy Road, and 100 Feet Road, has become a growing source of anxiety and frustration for thousands of daily commuters. Far from being a smooth bypass, motorists are increasingly raising alarm bells over what they describe as a dangerously designed and inadequately maintained stretch of urban infrastructure.

The sentiment among road users is clear: this flyover, inaugurated just a few years ago in 2021, is anything but safe or user-friendly.

The litany of complaints begins with the flyover's shockingly narrow lanes. For four-wheelers, the simple act of overtaking a two-wheeler becomes a perilous manoeuvre, often forcing vehicles perilously close to the edge.

"It's a constant game of chicken," remarked a local motorist, highlighting the persistent fear of collision in the constricted space. This narrowness is compounded by the glaring absence of a central median. Without this crucial divider, oncoming traffic, especially at higher speeds, presents an immediate and terrifying risk, making head-on collisions a real and present danger.

As dusk falls, the flyover transforms into an even more treacherous zone.

Many motorists report inadequate or non-existent lighting, plunging long stretches into darkness. This lack of visibility, particularly when combined with unaddressed potholes and uneven surfaces, creates a hazardous environment. "During the recent rains, it felt like navigating a minefield," shared another commuter, recounting close calls with hidden craters that can easily lead to loss of control, especially for two-wheelers.

Adding to the confusion and danger is the conspicuous absence of clear signage.

New users are left guessing about directions, speed limits, or cautionary warnings. There are no indications of sharp curves, potential hazards, or even the optimal speed for the flyover. This oversight is particularly critical given the flyover's importance and the volume of traffic it handles daily.

Furthermore, the lack of robust side railings along certain sections amplifies the fear of vehicles veering off the elevated structure, a horrifying prospect.

Residents and regular users are not just complaining; they are actively demanding solutions from the authorities. The calls are specific and urgent: install a proper median to separate traffic, ensure consistent and adequate lighting across the entire stretch, carry out immediate repairs to potholes and uneven surfaces, and erect clear, informative signboards.

While widening the lanes might be a complex engineering challenge, the other measures are seen as fundamental, non-negotiable steps towards ensuring public safety.

The local traffic police have reportedly been made aware of these escalating concerns. Yet, concrete action remains elusive. The public's patience is wearing thin, particularly after incidents such as a car recently hitting a railing due to the combination of poor visibility and structural issues.

The GD Naidu flyover, a symbol of urban development, should be a testament to efficient commuting, not a daily gamble with safety. It's time for the authorities to heed the desperate pleas of Coimbatore's motorists and transform this perilous passage into the safe and friendly thoroughfare it was always intended to be.