Telungupalayam Junction - Kovai Junction Transformation Programme

Overview

Telungupalayam Junction is a staggered four-arm intersection that serves as an important connectivity node for both major and minor routes. The primary movement occurs along the Telungupalayam Road, which links key neighbourhoods. Vedapatti Road provides an additional regional connection, while Kuttywall Playground Road functions as a low-volume residential link.

The junction also operates as the turnaround point for city buses, with buses stopping, taking a u-turn, and returning southward. Except for the minor residential road, all approaches are narrow two-lane, two-way undivided roads carrying mixed traffic.

1. Site Context

Telungupalayam Junction experiences low traffic volumes and is largely shaded by mature trees. A temple located at the junction holds cultural significance for the local community. As the last stop along the city's route, it makes the junction an important point of visibility and activity. Hence it is important to address the safety and geometric concerns while also keeping the public space in mind.

Site Context of Telungupalayam Junction showing the temple and surrounding trees

Telungupalayam Junction with mature trees and culturally significant temple at the center.

2. Issue Identification and Design Approach

Through site analysis, certain critical points were identified for the design:

The central roundabout is misaligned and off-center, preventing effective circular channelization of vehicle movements.
The junction experiences relatively low traffic volumes, presenting an opportunity for integrating community or public space, an aspect currently absent.
There are no safe pedestrian facilities, including continuous walking paths or refuge islands, resulting in poor pedestrian safety and accessibility.