Chennai launches jet patching drive after months of pothole complaints
Chennai’s long-promised vision of a pothole-free city is finally taking form, as the Greater Chennai Corporation begins urgent road repair works using jet patching machines across 12 key zones. Despite a commitment made over six months ago, numerous roads in the city remain riddled with potholes, surface depressions, and eroded edges, making daily travel hazardous. In response to widespread civic complaints, the Corporation is now rolling out mechanical restoration techniques aimed at improving road quality and safety for commuters.
Residents from localities such as Vyasarpadi, Ramana Nagar, Egmore, and Gopalapuram have reported persistent neglect, with stretches becoming nearly unmotorable during rain. In many areas, the roads are not just broken but have devolved into waterlogged, muddy trenches that risk injury and vehicle damage. Across other neighbourhoods like Red Hills, MKB Nagar, and Mogappair, similar concerns have emerged. The Corporation has now committed to addressing these damages under zonal supervision, with each zone’s contract tendered at ₹49 lakh for completion within three months. The jet patching operation targets a variety of road damage types including potholes, utility cuts from cable or pipe work, and wheel path rutting. The repair method involves site clearance, applying emulsion, layering aggregate asphalt, and compressing the patch using compact rollers.
In addition to smoothing out uneven speed bumps and eroded road edges, contractors are also expected to repair “hungry surfaces” — brittle and over-worn patches that weaken faster than surrounding asphalt. Mandatory use of patching machines, groove-cutting tools, and ride-on rollers ensures standardised quality and timely execution under strict tender guidelines. Traffic management protocols form an integral part of the operation. Contractors must ensure road barricading, reflective signage, and coordination with police to avoid disruptions. Excavated materials are to be removed within 24 hours and stored off the carriageway to maintain public convenience. The Corporation has warned of penalties for idle or faulty machinery, aiming to hold contractors accountable to both timeline and performance standards.
These measures are intended to create a sustainable system of urban road maintenance, rather than patchwork fixes. With the city’s roads forming critical arteries for public mobility, Chennai’s commitment to road rehabilitation must extend beyond short-term goals. Continuous investment in durable repair methods, strict supervision of contractors, and transparent redressal of public complaints are essential to ensure equitable access and safer streets for all road users. As the city expands, inclusive and resilient infrastructure will remain central to sustainable urban growth.
