Vandalur flyover remains in the dark for 19 months, poses risk to motorists

With both the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Kattankulathur Panchayat Union refusing to take responsibility for the flyover’s maintenance, it is the motorists who are made to suffer. 

The flyover was opened to public in 2013 for easing the traffic congestion. The facility was useful for those travelling to Padappai, Oragadam, Walajabad, Kancheepuram and Vellore. 

According to sources, all the 190 lamp posts illuminating the flyover was damaged during Cyclone Vardah in December 2016. 

Since then, the motorists have been having a tough time while traveling on the bridge during the night. Although several complaints were lodged, no action has been taken so far, they rued.

John, a regular commuter said, “It is very difficult to travel on the bridge as not even a single lamp post is functioning.”

A senior National Highway official told DT Next that the maintenance of the flyover was handed over to the local body and it is their responsibility to repair the lamp posts.

When contacted, Kattankulathur Block Development Officer Muthusundaram said the maintenance of the flyover has not been officially handed over to the local body yet. “Even the electricity bill is not paid by us. We will repair the damaged lamp posts only after the flyover is handed over to us,” he said.