Repairs speeded up on Stephenson Road after fatal accident

S Sri Ranjan, a frequent commuter, said, “The spot has been unnavigable for many months now. There has been work underway — first, on desilting the stormwater drains and next on unending road relaying — for several days. In fact, the silt has been left on the sides of the road and that has spread after the recent rains. The Greater Chennai Corporation’s negligence has cost a life. After the accident, they have brought a JCB to remove the silt and mud spread across the area. They have woken up to the danger such carelessness can lead to only after an accident.”

Sathish Kumar, a resident of Pulianthope, has been taking up the case of bad road and flooding ahead of monsoons for a long time with the Corporation. “They acted promptly, but they have messed up the roads further. There are frequent accidents in this place and everyone dreads plying on it because of its condition,” he said.

The residents also said that the area is poorly lit, except in the part where there is a high-rise building. Ranjan added, “During evenings and late at nights, the area is prone to accidents and crimes.”

A senior official from Zone 6 of the Greater Chennai Corporation refused to comment on the negligence while adding that efforts were underway for clearing the road entirely and making it vehicle friendly. The source added that there were talks to make the road elevated. “The roadworks are being attended to corresponding to the work happening near the nallah. It will be repaired soon,” added the source.