Traffic Ramaswamy

K. R. Ramaswamy (1 April 1934 – 4 May 2021), referred to by the media as Traffic Ramaswamy, was an Indian public interest litigator and social activist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was a mill worker, a founder member of Tamil Nadu's Home Guard, and a self-appointed traffic policeman.

Activism Much of his activism relates to regulating traffic in Chennai and filing public interest lawsuits in court. Initially he started unofficially directing traffic at the city's busy Parrys Corner. The local police were pleased with his efforts and provided him with an official identity card. He has also had his office ransacked and papers were stolen. However, helped by donations from friends and public he claimed he would continue his fight to make Chennai the most livable and lovable city,

His work in the removal and banning of illegally placed hoardings received renewed public interest in September 2019 following the traffic death of Chennai-based engineer Subasri. She had been traveling on her two-wheeler when an illegally placed banner of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam fell from a height of approximately 15 feet directly in front of her two-wheeler causing her to lose control and fall to the ground and be crushed by a water tanker lorry coming from behind her which was unable to halt in time.

Death On 4 May 2021, Ramaswamy died in Chennai at the age of 87.

His death was reported to be due to battling complications of COVID-19 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai.

Popular culture A biopic titled Traffic Ramasamy on the life of Traffic Ramaswamy was directed by debutant Vicky in which the father of Vijay and director S. A. Chandrasekhar had played the titular role.