Residents in northern Chennai’s Puzhal area are calling for faster execution of long-pending underground sanitation works, saying delays in associated road restoration and stormwater drainage projects are affecting mobility, safety and quality of life. The issue has emerged as a growing concern for communities that have been living with excavated roads and incomplete civic infrastructure for nearly two years.
Local residents from several neighbourhoods in Ward 24 say only a fraction of the planned road network has been restored despite extensive digging for the underground sewer system. According to civic representatives, a limited number of roads have undergone resurfacing even though pipeline installation activities began years ago. The prolonged sewer network expansion has narrowed streets and created accessibility challenges for households and businesses attempting to connect with Grand Northern Trunk Road. Uneven surfaces and unsealed stretches are also generating dust pollution, while vehicle movement has become increasingly difficult for smaller commercial vehicles and three-wheelers.
Urban planners note that underground sanitation projects are critical to building healthier and climate-resilient cities, but delays in complementary infrastructure often undermine the intended benefits. Timely completion of road rehabilitation and drainage systems is considered essential to ensure that public investment translates into improved liveability and safer neighbourhoods. Residents have also highlighted concerns regarding unfinished stormwater infrastructure. Civic representatives estimate that only a small proportion of the proposed drainage network has been developed so far, raising questions about preparedness during periods of intense rainfall. In low-lying urban areas, integrated sewer and stormwater systems are increasingly viewed as necessary components of flood-resilient city planning.
Another issue attracting attention is the condition of uncovered silt catch pits along some internal roads. Missing covers have created safety risks for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during night hours when visibility is reduced. Citizens have urged authorities to secure these locations to prevent accidents. The sewage pipeline works are regarded as a key component of expanding urban sanitation services in fast-growing peripheral areas of Chennai. However, residents argue that infrastructure projects should prioritise uninterrupted access, public safety and transparent timelines to minimise disruptions.
Officials associated with the city’s water utility indicated that major pipeline activities remain in progress and that chamber construction is expected to conclude within the coming months. Authorities also said instructions would be issued to address uneven road surfaces to ease traffic movement. As Chennai continues to expand, experts say coordinated delivery of sewage pipeline works, road restoration and drainage infrastructure will be crucial for ensuring equitable urban growth and creating neighbourhoods that are both resilient and people-centred.
