CHENNAI: Even during the election period, when road works are typically prioritised, residents of Valasaravakkam’s Chakarabani Nagar continue to face severe hardship due to badly damaged roads.

While several roads across Chennai have been re-laid ahead of the upcoming elections, residents say such efforts have bypassed Chakarabani Nagar. Re-laying roads and addressing civic grievances are generally seen as routine measures during election time, but locals allege that their neighbourhood has been overlooked.

Chakarabani Nagar, a prominent residential locality in Valasaravakkam, has multiple stretches in poor condition. Residents point out that the main road junction is particularly affected, with poorly maintained, bumpy, unevenly paved turning points posing a significant risk to two-wheeler riders.

Ranjith, a college student from the area, said that both internal streets and arterial roads are in a deteriorated state. He noted that navigating these roads has become increasingly difficult for residents.

Another resident, Beno, said that several roads were dug up for stormwater drain works and were not restored properly after completion. He added that the locality is largely residential, with many women using these roads to drop their children off at nearby schools. The damaged stretches make commuting difficult and have led to occasional accidents.

Residents have urged civic authorities to take immediate steps to repair the roads and ensure safe commuting conditions in the area.