Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Orders Parallel Lanes for Convoy Traffic, Easing 18-Kilometre Commuter Route

According to the instructions issued by the Chief Minister, law enforcement authorities have been asked to organize convoy movement in a manner that allows parallel lanes to remain open for general public use. The measure is intended to reduce delays faced by daily commuters and maintain continuous traffic flow even during high-security motorcade movements.

Following the reported implementation, supporters of the Tamil Nadu Victory Kazhagam (TVK) celebrated the development, linking it to the party’s April 2026 electoral win and subsequent coalition formation. Images circulated by supporters on social platforms showed comparatively smooth vehicular movement across key stretches, including areas near Adyar bus stands and densely populated, shop-lined streets.

However, the decision has also drawn critical observation. Some commentators have pointed out that similar convoy management protocols existed under previous Chief Ministers, including M. K. Stalin. These practices, they note, align with 2018 guidelines issued by the Madras High Court, which recommended limiting VIP-related road halts to a duration of five to ten minutes to minimize public inconvenience.

The directive has now placed renewed focus on balancing security protocols for high-level officials with the uninterrupted flow of urban traffic, particularly on heavily congested routes in Chennai.