Is Chennai Ready for the Northeast Monsoon with Incomplete Roadworks?
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Synopsis
As the northeast monsoon approaches, Chennai faces the alarming reality of incomplete road restoration works. With only half of the necessary repairs done, residents are left anxious about the impact on their daily commutes. Will the Greater Chennai Corporation step up to resolve these issues before the rains intensify?
Key Takeaways
- The Greater Chennai Corporation has completed only 50% of road restoration.
- 3,908 internal roads were identified, but only 1,862 have been addressed.
- Residents express concern over safety and accessibility.
- Neighborhoods like K K Nagar and Thoraipakkam are particularly impacted.
- Authorities are under pressure to complete the work before the monsoon intensifies.
Chennai, Aug 31 (NationPress) As the northeast monsoon approaches, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has only managed to finish 50% of its road restoration projects within the city. Out of 3,908 internal roads earmarked for re-laying, just 1,862 have been addressed in the last two months, resulting in extensive disrepair throughout the city. The civic authority had aimed to finalize the work by September 15, but numerous areas remain untouched despite the completion of stormwater drainage, sewage, and electrical projects.
This sluggish pace has left residents anxious as they brace for another monsoon season filled with potholes, waterlogging, and perilous commutes.
Neighborhoods such as K K Nagar, Thoraipakkam, West Mambalam, Ashok Nagar, and Vadapalani are particularly hard-hit. Many of these regions are littered with dug-up roads, uneven surfaces, and large craters that complicate daily travel.
Residents voice their concerns that these delays have already resulted in accidents and falls, and the recent rain has exacerbated conditions in many areas. In certain locations, temporary fixes, such as debris dumping, have been made instead of proper re-laying, adding to the discomfort for commuters, especially those on two-wheelers.
Some stretches that were re-laid just months ago have been excavated again, raising doubts about planning and inter-departmental coordination.
The neglect of interior roads has become a contentious issue, with visible focus only on main bus routes. Locals argue that this disparity has left inner neighborhoods in a state of disrepair. In various sections of West Mambalam, newly surfaced roads were dug up within days, inviting criticism over the misuse of public funds.
Civic officials assert that initiatives are underway to speed up the work, with directives issued to limit new road cuts. Notifications have also been sent to service departments to halt excavation activities starting August 31.
With the northeast monsoon projected to intensify in late September and October, the pressure is mounting on the civic body to finish the outstanding tasks. Unless the work accelerates significantly, Chennai may once again contend with a monsoon season characterized by broken roads, sluggish traffic, and increasing frustration among commuters.
Point of View
The situation in Chennai highlights a critical lapse in urban planning and infrastructure management. The Greater Chennai Corporation's struggle to meet deadlines reflects broader challenges faced by many cities in India. It’s imperative that local authorities prioritize swift action to ensure the safety and mobility of their residents as the monsoon season approaches.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of road restoration in Chennai?
As of now, only 50% of the road restoration work has been completed by the Greater Chennai Corporation, with many areas still in disrepair.
Which neighborhoods in Chennai are most affected?
Neighborhoods like K K Nagar, Thoraipakkam, West Mambalam, Ashok Nagar, and Vadapalani are among the worst affected by the incomplete roadwork.
What are the concerns of the residents?
Residents are anxious about the safety of their commutes due to potholes, waterlogging, and accidents caused by poor road conditions.
What measures are being taken by the civic body?
Civic officials have stated that efforts are being made to expedite the work, including restrictions on new road cuts and halting excavation activities.
What is the deadline for completing the roadworks?
The Greater Chennai Corporation has set a deadline of September 15 for completing the road restoration work.
