Three women waiting in the gap along the median to cross the busy Avinashi Road in Coimbatore on Tuesday. The road has a pelican signal at Varadharaja Mills bus stop.
| Photo Credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN
The city has 15 pelican signals that one can use to cross roads safely, but many pedestrians are unaware of it and continue to put their lives in danger, trying to cross busy thoroughfares amidst speeding vehicles.
At pelican signals, people can press buttons provided on poles on both sides of the road to operate a red signal and halt the traffic. The signal will turn green after a while, usually less than a minute. Pedestrians can activate the red signal again after a gap of at least three minutes.
Poongudi P., a resident of Singanallur who works at a women’s hostel in the city as a housekeeper, said she was not aware of the pedestrian-friendly signal system.
Charulatha D., an employee at a healthcare technology company who commutes between Narasimhanaickenpalayam and Hope College, said she had seen videos and photos of pedestrian crossing signals in other countries, but didn’t know Coimbatore, too, have them.
Suguna A., a homemaker from Kanuvai, admitted that she was not aware of the facility in the city. She said she found it though to cross roads during heavy traffic.
Park Gate junction, Dr. Nanjappa Road, Thudiyalur junction, 100 Feet Road, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Varadharaja Mills, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Aravind Eye Hospital/PSG College of Arts and Science, airport junction and Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital are among the 15 locations where pelican signals are available.
Traffic police personnel said they advise and educate pedestrians on using pelican signals on a regular basis.
Published – June 03, 2026 06:35 pm IST
