Dug up roads for Metro Rail, SWD works trouble commuters

CHENNAI: Ongoing constructions for Chennai Metro Rail and Storm Water Drains (SWD) at several parts of the city have been perennially troubling commuters and residents.

Though the SWDs are being built at a faster rate before the northeast monsoon, the traffic congestion owing to the construction work is affecting office goers and business owners.

V Mahesh, a doctor and a resident of Virugumbakkam, who travels to multiple places due to his profession, is disappointed by the shoddy road condition. He says, he travels several areas in a week and at every location, the works by the state departments lead to huge traffic pile-ups.

“Traffic at several major locations for the past few months has drastically affected commuters. The vehicles move at a snail pace due to work on either side of the road. At many places, the milling work is also undertaken on roads and pavements, causing further congestion,”said Mahesh.

According to several commuters and residents, the stretch of Munusamy Salai, KK Nagar, Anna Main Road, MGR Nagar, Kasi theatre, Rameswaram Road, T Nagar, Saligramam Main Road, Arcot Road from Porur to Valsarawakkam, Virugambakkam to Saligramam and Poonamallee bus stand witness traffic congestion due to construction work of Chennai Metro Rail and Storm Water Drain (SWD).

With northeast monsoon also set to arrive sooner, commuters urge for the government to wrap up the work soon. “The flooding situation in Chennai is getting worse every year. Though the government is constructing SWDs, the work is already late. Hence we urge for quick completion,”said Koyal Singh, a resident of Tondiarpet.

On the other hand, Gopal, a teashop owner on Millers Road laments that his business is hit due to SWD construction. “The roads are dug out and the work is moving at a slower pace than expected. This has led to dull business,” he added.

However, there is no response from the departments involved despite multiple attempts over the issue.