Chennai: Recent rainfall has severely disrupted the ongoing relaying work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on GNT Road, specifically between Madhavaram and Red Hills toll plaza. The service lane has been particularly affected, resulting in significant traffic chaos. NHAI had initiated an ambitious plan to mill and relay the entire 10km stretch, including the service roads, while also constructing drains to manage excess rainwater.
The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore, has faced setbacks due to unseasonal rains. A local activist from Puzhal reported that water accumulation on the service road has led to minor accidents, with drivers encountering potholes within the past 48 hours. Recognising the hazards, traffic police have directed government buses to stop on the main road, enabling commuters to board and alight safely. However, this measure has exposed commuters to risks from speeding vehicles and heavy trucks on this busy highway connecting Chennai with Andhra Pradesh.
The decision to stop buses on the highway has exacerbated traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Ambulances transporting patients to Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital from regions like Gummidipoondi, Alamadhi, Padianallur, and Ponneri have also been caught in traffic snarls, leading to critical delays during the golden hour, sometimes resulting in fatalities. In response to the situation, an NHAI official stated that immediate patchwork on the service roads is underway. The official assured that the relaying project would be expedited, with the damaged 2-3 km section expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Residents have proposed several solutions to alleviate the traffic issues in the region. One suggestion is to transfer the responsibility of Red Hills, which falls under Greater Chennai Corporation limits, to the state highways or local body for regular maintenance. Additionally, they recommend increasing crossing times at signal intersections and implementing one-way traffic on service roads to enhance safety and traffic flow. This situation underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning and timely execution to prevent such disruptions, ensuring smoother transit and safer conditions for commuters.
