CHENNAI: A poorly designed silt catch pit for storm water drains (SWD) located in the middle of Arcot Road, between the Vadapalani bus depot and the Metro station, has emerged as a serious safety hazard for motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders.
As one of Chennai’s key arterial stretches linking Nungambakkam with Porur with heavy traffic throughout the day, Arcot Road is already choked with problems due to its limited width and damage caused by the Metro Rail construction along several sections.
Recent spells of rain has worsened road conditions. In response, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) relaid a crucial stretch between the Vadapalani bus depot and Metro station last month. However, the relaid surface sits over the silt catch pit of the SWD, creating what commuters describe as an artificial pothole.
As the structure is positioned in the middle of the carriageway, two-wheeler riders are frequently destabilised while crossing the stretch, increasing the risk of skidding and accidents. Vijay Kumar, a daily biker, said, “The location of the pit is a design flaw; it’s right in the middle of the road, which destabilises two-wheelers and makes riding extremely uncomfortable, leading to accidents.”
Shop owners along the stretch have also raised concerns over repeated relaying of the road. Priya, who runs a shop nearby, said the road level has been rising steadily over the years. “Even though milling was done before relaying, it has not been effective. Now the road is almost at the same level as my shop entrance. If this continues, my shop will be submerged during heavy rains,” she said.
Residents and commuters have urged the Corporation to take immediate corrective measures, including redesigning the SWD structure and ensuring safer road levels, to prevent accidents and further inconvenience on the busy stretch.