Tiruchy Officials Repaint Safety Markings After Pedestrian Risk Exposed
In response to mounting public concern over faded and missing road safety markings across the city, officials from the State Highways Department have begun repainting zebra crossings and stop lines at key intersections. The initiative follows increased scrutiny over pedestrian safety, particularly near schools and hospitals where children and elderly pedestrians were frequently seen navigating disorganised traffic without visible pedestrian pathways. Fresh markings have now been reinstated at high-traffic points, and officials have promised full coverage across all city signals in the coming weeks.
The absence of functional road markings across Tiruchy’s 13 operational traffic signals had created dangerous conditions for road users. In many places, vehicle queues spilled beyond limits due to the lack of visible stop lines, often blocking pedestrian access. At hospital junctions and near educational institutions, this resulted in people—especially children—being forced to cross amid moving vehicles. The lack of basic infrastructure raised serious questions about enforcement, urban planning, and road safety priorities in a rapidly growing city. In addition to the repainting efforts, officials have hinted at a broader plan to integrate smart traffic management systems in Tiruchy. These could include sensor-based pedestrian lights, reflective thermoplastic paint for longer durability, and signage upgrades to improve visibility during night-time and monsoon conditions.
Experts argue that such technology-driven interventions, when combined with basic infrastructure maintenance, can significantly reduce accident rates. Urban planners also recommend regular safety audits of school and hospital zones to ensure that vulnerable groups are protected and that traffic behaviour is guided by clearly marked zones and effective enforcement. After the issue gained visibility, the Highways Department began work at four busy locations including Mela Chinthamani Road, the Head Post Office signal, and Chathiram Bus Stand. Officials acknowledged past delays and assured that all signals across the city will receive necessary paintwork without further interruptions. Road safety advocates welcomed the response but urged that such measures should not be reactive. Instead, consistent upkeep of signage and markings must become a routine part of urban infrastructure management, especially in zones with vulnerable populations.
As India continues to urbanise at a rapid pace, cities like Tiruchy highlight the pressing need for inclusive, pedestrian-friendly street design. Paint alone cannot ensure safety, but it is a critical first step in signalling that roads are shared spaces—not just for vehicles, but for all citizens. Officials must now follow through with regular maintenance and consider longer-term interventions like speed calming zones, tactile paving, and improved pedestrian signals to make cities safer and more liveable.
