The long week end and Diwali sale at several shops resulted in heavy traffic jam in most part of the city on Monday
With every office establishment and educational institution closed for Ayudha Puja and Vijayadasami during the week end and Monday being a national holiday on account of Gandhi Jayanthi, hundreds of people were seen scouting from one shop to another to make their Diwali purchase.

Large number of vehicles were seen moving at a snail’s pace at the Town Hall junction and Cross Cut Road. It took several minutes for motorists to navigate the traffic.

“I waited for nearly 30 minutes just to cross the signal at Town Hall. On any normal day, it would take only five minutes. As Diwali sale has begun, every road is now jammed,” said Vignesh, a motorist.

Another motorist alleged that large number of people were seen walking on the roads, instead of pavements. “It is one of the reasons for the traffic jam. Also people who went to their hometowns for the long weekend have started returning,” he said.

Bus stands at Ukkadam, Singanallur and Mettupalyam saw scores of people waiting to catch their buses to outstations.