India's Old Trunk Road Gets Street Lights After Months

For months, women in Pallavaram, India avoided a direct route to their railway station because half a kilometer of road sat in complete darkness after sunset.

Old Trunk Road connects thousands of daily commuters to the Grand Southern Trunk Road, Shanthai Road, and the busy Pallavaram railway station. But the stretch under Ward 5 had no working street lights, turning an essential pathway into a safety hazard.

Women told officials they were taking longer routes home rather than risk the dark road. The unlit section, including the area under the Pallavaram flyover, had become a dumping ground with broken bottles and garbage accumulation. Residents reported harassment and theft along the poorly lit stretch.

The road presented a unique challenge because two different authorities manage it. The Tambaram Corporation maintains the southern half while the St. Thomas Mount-cum-Pallavaram Cantonment Board oversees the northern section reaching Shanthai Road.

After residents raised concerns, both authorities coordinated to restore and install street lights across the entire stretch. The Cantonment Board, which has managed the area since 1774, confirmed the lighting work is complete.

The Ripple Effect

The restored lights do more than illuminate pavement. They reconnect thousands of commuters to Pallavaram's transit hub, which offers access to buses, suburban trains, and the Metro system.

The Cantonment Board isn't stopping with lights. Officials finalized a proposal to install CCTV cameras at key points along the road to Shanthai Road, with implementation expected by March. They're also increasing coordination with local police for regular patrols and better surveillance.

The improvements mean women can now take the direct route again, saving time and eliminating the anxiety of walking through darkness. For a major transit hub serving a growing urban area, safe access to public transportation makes a real difference in daily life.

Residents have welcomed the changes and expressed hope that regular maintenance will keep the lights on and the area secure for years to come.