Chennai Restores 3985 Roads Post Monsoon While 688 Remain For Repair
Chennai has completed restoration work on 3,985 roads damaged during the recent monsoon, yet 688 streets remain pending repair, city officials confirmed. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) outlined that main bus routes and interior roads were prioritised in the initial phase, with remaining repairs scheduled for the new year. The council meeting also highlighted civic governance issues, including wage irregularities for sanitation workers, signalling ongoing infrastructure and administrative challenges in the city.
During a recent GCC council session chaired by Chennai Mayor R. Priya, officials detailed the scope of post-monsoon road maintenance across the city. “Chennai has over 35,000 roads, encompassing bus routes and interior lanes. Restoration on 3,985 roads affected by the rains has been completed,” the Mayor reported, emphasising that the remaining 688 roads are slated for repair early next year. The initiative reflects efforts to improve road safety, traffic efficiency, and urban resilience.Urban infrastructure experts note that timely repair of monsoon-affected roads is critical for sustainable city functioning. Poor road conditions not only disrupt daily commutes but also increase fuel consumption and emissions due to congestion. “Prioritising road repairs post-monsoon enhances both commuter safety and environmental outcomes, contributing to a low-carbon urban future,” a senior urban planner said.
The council meeting also exposed governance tensions. BJP councillor Uma Anand staged a walkout, alleging that opportunities to raise questions during Question Hour and Zero Hour were being restricted. Anand further raised concerns over wage irregularities for sanitation workers in Ambattur’s Zone 7, claiming salaries were being disbursed to staff not actively employed. She urged the corporation to release a detailed report and ensure accountability.
“These irregularities persist despite the formation of an inquiry committee. Transparency in municipal operations is essential for fair treatment of workers and efficient use of public funds,” Anand stated. Observers suggest that administrative oversight and procedural fairness are crucial to strengthen public trust alongside infrastructure improvements.Despite political disagreements between the ruling DMK and opposition BJP, council authorities underscored ongoing efforts to address both infrastructure and governance challenges. Analysts note that combining robust road maintenance with administrative transparency can enhance urban livability and inclusivity, while reducing long-term operational costs.
Chennai’s post-monsoon road restoration illustrates the city’s balancing act between urgent infrastructure needs and municipal governance. With nearly 4,000 roads already repaired and plans to complete the remaining work, the city is gradually building safer, more accessible, and climate-resilient streets that support sustainable urban mobility and inclusive civic management.
