Madurai Traffic Chaos: Trucks Ignore Curfew, Choke Streets

Madurai city police had tightened restrictions on heavy vehicle movement nearly a year ago, but trucks are now flouting permitted night-time hours. Trucks are restricted between 10pm and 6am, yet violations are common on East Marret Street and North Masi Street. These vehicles frequently occupy carriageways while loading goods, causing congestion and safety hazards. Motorists are often forced onto one-way streets in the wrong direction to bypass parked trucks.

The recurring congestion has led to significant disruption, with one commuter noting ambulances being rerouted. Truck operators, however, express difficulties in handling perishable goods under the current rules. They are willing to discuss revised timings, suggesting daytime windows from 9am to 11am and 3pm to 6pm. They also propose shifting lorry sheds outside the city to reduce internal traffic.

Police stated that enforcement continues, with fines of Rs 1,000 for the first offense and Rs 1,500 for subsequent violations. The restrictions were tightened after a fatal accident in October 2025, when a speeding truck fatally struck a pedestrian on Keela Masi Street, leading to the driver's arrest.