Service roads still in tatters, residents, vehicles suffer

Residents and commuters have been facing the brunt of severely damaged service especially key stretches between Somangalam road intersection and Thiruneermalai main road that remain bumpy. In addition of the existing threat of floods, residents are now compelled to face severe traffic congestion during the peak hour. “Just as all departments like Public Works Departments (Water Resources Department), Corporation and Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board started undertaking flood restoration works, the NHAI should start inspecting service lanes and take up road-fixing works,” says M Kalyan, a resident near Porur. 

Similarly, the condition of the stretches between Porur and Iyappanthangal, are also in shambles due to rains. Even the traffic police are helpless. “We can regulate traffic on the arterial roads, however, it is very difficult for us to do the same on service roads too,” said a traffic constable, on conditions of anonymity. 

Some residents expressed concern over the issue that damaged service roads will flood after just a single bout of rain. “The recent rains destroyed service roads and in the impact, rainwater gushed in all directions and submerged residential areas,” says A Mathivananan, a resident of Iyyappanthangal, where a service road remained incomplete for a year. “I fear this problem will recur with increased intensity if not addressed soon,” he added. Several attempts to contact NHAI officials were futile.