namma mejura

The Shanthi nagar bridge (that looked like a set for S.P.E.E.D tamil version for more than a year) has been opened for public without any fanfare. There were no grand ceremony & dedications, probably due to the election code of conduct (It comes under the Madurai West constituency where by-election process in underway).

It is a big relief for sub-urban residents across Shanthi nagar, Railar nagar, Aanaiyur, Kulamangalam etc.

It took nearly 6 years to complete this bridge. The other bridge, the Thathaneri bridge along river vaigai, which also started along with this bridge is still nowhere near completion. Madurai is certainly a very poor cousin of Chennai.

The June 1st and 2nd were hectic days. It was unbelievable that 95% of the two wheeler riders wear helmets. Most of them were full-mask helmets. Even though two-wheeler riders are required by a central law to wear helmet, it was not in force in Tamilnadu. TN government finally forced to wear helmets in 6 cities from June 1 and the rest of TN from July 1.

The Chief Minister’s tactical statement on 2nd June took the sting off the order without actually scraping it. And it’s back to square one. On 4th June, less than 3 percent riders wear helmets.

It’s amazing how many will comply if forced by Government.