Madurai: Thirumalainayakar Palace, a prominent historical monument in Madurai, attracts thousands of visitors each week. However, the lack of a dedicated parking lot has become a major inconvenience for tourists. Here’s why:
- Congestion on Palace Road: Visitors are forced to park along Palace Road, which is also used to access the bustling textile bazaar. The absence of a proper parking space exacerbates congestion in the area.
- Closed Parking Space: Although a small parking area existed on the left side of the campus before Covid-19, it was closed after renovation. Shopkeepers confirm this closure, leaving visitors with limited options.
- Traffic Chaos: The district registrar office, located a few hundred meters away, adds to the traffic chaos. The existing two-way road, even after being designated as one-way, remains congested due to unregulated parking.
- Bus Stop and Ward Office: A bus stop in front of the palace entrance and the corporation ward office opposite contribute to frequent traffic snarls. Additionally, the poor state of the road, with uncollected silt from drainage work, further reduces its width.
- Alternative Parking: Tourists are now directed to park on nearby lanes like Mahal Vadampokki Street and Panthadi Street, which are also becoming increasingly congested.
- Seeking Solutions: The ‘Best of Tamil Nadu’ tourism initiative by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce has called for dedicated and regulated parking in the vicinity. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also made representations to relocate the bus stop and ward office to free up space for parking.
Efforts to address these parking woes are crucial to enhance the overall experience for visitors to this historic site. Hopefully, authorities will take necessary steps to alleviate the situation and ensure smoother access to Thirumalainayakar Palace. As tourist inflow increases, proper parking facilities become essential for preserving the monument’s aesthetic appeal. Let’s hope for positive changes soon!
