Chennai Roads in Choolaimedu Remain Hazardous After Metrowater Work Completion
Nearly a month after Metrowater concluded its underground sewage infrastructure work in Chennai’s Choolaimedu area, several interior roads remain in a perilous state, transforming into accident hotspots for daily commuters. Earth-covered pits and uneven surfaces, particularly on Thiruvalluvar Nagar Main Road, have led to numerous incidents, including injuries to pedestrians and motorists. This alarming situation underscores critical gaps in civic coordination and timely road restoration, posing a significant challenge to Chennai’s aspirations for safe, equitable, and sustainably managed urban spaces.
The underground sewage project, initiated in April along the 1.5-kilometre stretch of Choolaimedu High Road, was initially promised to be completed, and roads relaid, by May. However, the pipe-laying work experienced delays, extending into June. Despite this, only partial concrete patches have been laid, covering merely the immediate connection points of the sewage lines. Consequently, crucial interior arteries such as Thiruvengadapuram Main Road and Thiruvalluvar Nagar 1st Street remain unrepaired and unrelaid, presenting a persistent hazard. The lack of proper barricades to warn motorists further exacerbates the risk, especially after recent rainfall, which camouflages these dangerous depressions.
This ongoing neglect highlights a critical breakdown in inter-agency accountability. According to established guidelines, once Metrowater completes its utility work, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be issued to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to facilitate the timely relaying of roads. The current scenario suggests a significant lapse in this crucial handover process, leaving residents to navigate hazardous conditions. Despite repeated complaints lodged through official channels, including the Namma Chennai app, and direct appeals to authorities, residents report a disheartening lack of response, eroding public trust in civic responsiveness.
The unsafe road conditions disproportionately impact vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders, who face heightened risks of accidents and injuries. This directly undermines the principles of gender-neutral and equitable urban mobility, where safe and accessible pathways are fundamental for all citizens. The prolonged state of disrepair not only poses immediate physical dangers but also contributes to increased vehicular wear and tear, potential traffic diversions, and overall reduced urban efficiency, contradicting the vision of a seamlessly functioning, eco-friendly city.
The imperative for immediate and comprehensive road restoration in Choolaimedu is undeniable. Beyond addressing the immediate safety concerns, a swift and complete relaying of these roads is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Chennai’s urban infrastructure and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development. Timely completion of such projects is not merely about convenience; it is about ensuring public safety, fostering a healthier urban environment by reducing traffic inefficiencies, and upholding the civic body’s responsibility to its citizens in constructing a truly smart and resilient metropolis.
