The Indian Air Force (IAF) air show on Marina Beach attracted a huge crowd on Sunday, but thousands of spectators faced severe difficulties in commuting home after the event. The combination of traffic jams, overcrowded public transport, and the sweltering heat turned what was meant to be an exhilarating experience into a frustrating ordeal for many, reported PTI.
Lighthouse metro station and Velachery MRTS railway station, key transit points for those attending the event, were overwhelmed by crowds. Many commuters found it nearly impossible to board trains, with some risking the packed platforms while others were left behind, unable to catch a ride.
The bus stop at Anna Square, close to the event venue, was also jam-packed. According to a senior police official, “Nearly a dozen people fainted due to the near-stampede situation and the hot weather, but they were promptly treated at a nearby government facility.”
Traffic around the Marina area was heavily congested, with several arterial roads coming to a standstill. Ambulances were caught in the gridlock, though police intervened to clear the way for emergency services to reach hospitals.
K. Sridhar, a resident of Velachery, shared his experience: “It was incredibly tough to catch the MRTS train as the station was completely packed, but I managed to take my family to the air show and back. The commute was exhausting.”
Traffic conditions around the Marina Beach area only eased nearly three hours after the air show concluded at 1 p.m., according to police officials.
(Witn inputs from PTI)