Chennai Residents Face Delayed Road Repairs and Rising Risks in Old Washermenpet
In the heart of Chennai, a significant infrastructure issue has left residents of Mottai Garden 3rd Lane in Old Washermenpet frustrated and concerned. Nearly a month ago, the road was milled for repairs, but the much-needed re-laying of the surface has not yet been carried out, leaving behind an unsafe and unpleasant stretch of road. With over 300 families depending on the road as a vital link to Tiruvottiyur High Road and the Washermanpet market, the delay has led to increased difficulties for both pedestrians and motorists alike. The road, now covered in rubble, mud, and debris, has also led to a noticeable rise in pollution in the vicinity, compounding the already worsening traffic conditions in the area.
Local residents, including civic activist R. Ramesh, have been vocal about the issue. According to Ramesh, repeated complaints have been raised with the authorities, but the response has been inadequate. “The civic body has shown little regard for the worsening condition of the road. Every day, more people risk their safety walking or driving on this stretch, with accidents becoming increasingly probable,” said Ramesh, highlighting the urgent need for action. Residents have expressed concerns not only about the inconvenience caused but also the rising safety risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like schoolchildren and senior citizens, who regularly use the road. The lack of timely intervention has prompted an increasing sense of frustration among the local population, who feel neglected by the authorities.
One of the most pressing concerns of the residents is the higher risk of accidents. The current state of the road, filled with loose gravel and uneven patches, has created the perfect conditions for skidding. Motorists and pedestrians face the very real risk of injury, with traffic accidents becoming a daily occurrence. Additionally, the pollution caused by the dust and debris on the unfinished road is worsening the quality of life for the nearby residents. The situation is particularly alarming given the area’s proximity to local schools and markets, where pedestrian traffic is high. Without swift and effective action, the risks to public health and safety are likely to grow.
In response to growing concerns, Ward 48 councillor V. Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar acknowledged the delay but reassured the residents that the re-laying work had resumed. “The delay was caused by contractors being on leave, but the work is now progressing, and the repairs are expected to be completed within the next 10 days,” she stated. While this timeline offers some relief, it remains to be seen whether the civic authorities will be able to uphold their promises, given the history of delays in such urban infrastructure projects. The residents, however, have learned to be wary of such assurances, as delays have become a common feature in many areas of Chennai’s urban development.
This prolonged delay in road repairs raises important questions about the sustainability of urban infrastructure in Chennai. Not only does the continued neglect of such essential services contribute to an increased risk of accidents and pollution, but it also reflects poorly on the city’s overall approach to maintaining public spaces. In a rapidly growing city like Chennai, the urban infrastructure must be upgraded in line with the increasing demands of its residents. Neglecting basic road maintenance not only inconveniences citizens but also leads to a decrease in the quality of life and an increased environmental footprint due to the accumulation of dust and debris. For a city striving to become more sustainable, timely and well-executed infrastructure projects should be a priority, ensuring that both safety and environmental health are taken into account.
