CHENNAI: Residents of Britannia Nagar in Surapet have raised concerns over deteriorating road conditions and slow progress of underground drainage works, which have severely affected daily commuting in the area.
The 6th Street Nagar is riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces, thanks to continuous digging for underground drainage.
This has forced two-wheelers and cars to move at a slow pace. Daily commuters using the stretch for work have been significantly inconvenienced. With several schools and colleges located nearby, buses frequently ply the route. Drivers find it difficult to navigate the damaged stretches, particularly during peak hours when traffic congestion worsens.
Residents pointed to a rise in accidents, especially involving two-wheeler riders, who often lose control due to potholes and loose gravel. While most incidents result in minor injuries, a few cases of serious injuries have heightened safety concerns.
Anita, a long-time resident, explained, “The drainage work has been progressing slowly and this leads to muddy roads. Although underground work has been completed in some stretches, the road surface has not been levelled properly, making it uneven. While travel is manageable during the day, poor visibility at night aggravates the problem.”
Corporation officials said that the drainage work in Britannia Nagar from 5th-10th streets was going on. “Road restoration will commence after the completion of works, likely after the election period,” they added.
Metro Water officials stated that underground drainage work was being carried out across multiple streets. “While work in 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th Streets is nearing completion, work is still in progress in 1st Cross Street and 8th Street,” an official added. “Metro Water pipeline work will begin once the drainage works are completed, with the remaining works expected to be finished by the end of this month or next.”