Chennai Police Announce Besant Nagar Traffic Diversions for Velankanni Fest

The Chennai Traffic Police have announced widespread traffic diversions and designated parking arrangements in Besant Nagar in view of the annual Annai Velankanni Church festival, scheduled to be held from August 29 to September 8.

According to the traffic police, the festival will commence with the flag-hoisting ceremony and a Chariot Procession on August 29 starting from 4.30 pm. The Grand Chariot Procession is scheduled to take place on September 7 at 7.30 pm, followed by the flag-lowering ceremony on the concluding day, September 8.

During the festival, religious processions will move through several major stretches in the neighbourhood. The designated procession routes will cover roads around 6th Avenue (Beach Road), 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, 4th Main Road, and 7th Avenue.

To manage vehicular movement during the festival period, traffic arriving from East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) will be diverted through Adyar Bus Depot, Indira Nagar 2nd Avenue, and Indira Nagar 1st Main Road towards LB Road. In addition, buses will be redirected to use MG Road and Shastri Nagar 1st Main Road.

Designated parking spaces have been set up for devotees and visitors attending the church festivities. Motorists can park their vehicles at Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, Arignar Anna Government Higher Secondary School, Besant Nagar 2nd Main Road, 4th Avenue, and 17th Cross Street.

Police have advised motorists and the general public to avoid Elliot’s Beach and its adjoining roads on the three procession days due to expected heavy crowding throughout the events.