Greater Chennai Corporation installs steel fencing to prevent abandoned cars on beach

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation ( GCC ) removed at least 16 abandoned cars dumped on Marina Loop Road beach near Srinivasapuram , close to the Adyar Estuary. The civic body also identified five encroaching mechanic sheds operating illegally on the beach and will issue notices to them shortly. To prevent further misuse, steel fencing has been installed to block unauthorized access.

GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran said the stretch will be monitored using patrolling and CCTV , and violators will be booked. "We warned the mechanics not to use the spot again.



Encroachments of sheds will also be removed," he said. Earlier, TOI reported that nearly 20 cars—some rusted and abandoned for months—had been left on the beach by auto repair shops. Mechanics operated late into the night, causing noise pollution and safety concerns.

Residents complained that the poorly lit, narrow stretch beyond the Foreshore Estate junction had become an encroachment hub. GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran stated that while routine drives had paused since mid-2024, action was taken after identifying the illegal activity.

Of the 2,000 abandoned cars citywide, only 1,200 were secured, with police clearance obtained for 250. The first batch will soon be auctioned online. Officials said the area is set for redevelopment, including better lighting and approach roads, as part of the Besant Nagar Broken Bridge reconstruction.

A proposed flyover will connect Srinivasapuram and Besant Nagar across the Adyar Estuary, with the Detailed Project Report ( DPR ) underway..