Chennai Announces Traffic Diversions Around Fort St George for Independence Day

Greater Chennai Traffic Police has announced road restrictions, diversions and designated parking arrangements around Fort St George for August 15, with controls beginning at 6 am and continuing until the Independence Day function concludes. Kamarajar Salai, Rajaji Salai and adjoining approaches to the Secretariat will see the principal changes.

Motorists travelling through central Chennai on August 15 will face temporary traffic restrictions around Fort St George as the Greater Chennai Traffic Police implements a special movement and parking plan for the Independence Day celebrations.

The restrictions will take effect from 6 am and remain in force until the flag-hoisting function concludes. General traffic will be restricted along the corridor covering Kamarajar Salai near the Labour Statue and War Memorial, Rajaji Salai towards the northern side of the RBI subway, and Flag Staff Road. Vehicles with authorised passes will be handled separately under the event access plan.

Motorists travelling from Kamarajar Salai towards Parrys through Rajaji Salai are being directed from the Labour Statue through Wallajah Road, Anna Salai, Muthusamy Bridge, Muthusamy Road, Raja Annamalai Mandram Junction and North Fort Side Road before reaching Parrys.

Traffic travelling in the opposite direction—from Parrys towards Kamarajar Salai via Rajaji Salai and the Secretariat—will use Parrys Corner, North Fort Side Road, Raja Annamalai Mandram Junction, Muthusamy Road, Muthusamy Bridge, Anna Salai and Wallajah Road. Vehicles approaching Parrys from Anna Salai through the Flag Staff Road corridor will also be redirected through Muthusamy Bridge and North Fort Side Road.

Separate parking arrangements have been designated for invited guests, official pass holders, media personnel and general visitors. PWD parking opposite the Secretariat and facilities at Island Grounds form part of the parking plan, with overflow arrangements also identified.

The restrictions principally affect the Fort St George–Secretariat precinct and its connections to Parrys, Anna Salai and the Marina-side arterial network. Commuters who ordinarily cross this part of central Chennai should allow additional travel time and follow live instructions from traffic personnel, particularly because access conditions may change as the ceremonial programme progresses.

Major Traffic Diversions

These routes are reproduced from the traffic arrangements reported from the Greater Chennai Traffic Police statement