Citizen Connect: Streetlights damaged in Vardah still spread darkness on Vandalur flyover

Two years have gone by since the Vardah cyclone wreaked havoc here. But the authorities have not yet repaired the damaged streetlights on Vandalur flyover, leaving it in pitch darkness during night, which is causing trouble for scores of motorists who are travelling through it.

The Vandalur flyover was constructed in 2013 to make the travel easier for the thousands of motorists who take this flyover while heading towards Padappai, Oragadam, Walajabad, Kancheepuram and Vellore. Motorists said that the flyover was very helpful for them, as it enabled them to bypass the severe traffic congestion at Vandalur.

However, it became difficult for them ever since Vardah cyclone. According to public, after the 190 streetlight posts were damaged in the cyclone, the flyover lies in darkness at night, posing danger to the motorists. This has forced many motorists to avoid the flyover.

The residents here said the situation continued despite them giving repeated complaints to the officials. “For the past one year, the officials have been saying that the light will be repaired soon. However, it still is remaining just the same,” said Naveen, a motorist from Tambaram who used to regularly take the flyover. “It is very difficult to travel on the bridge on the night, as not even a single street light is in a working condition,” he added.

Janani from Vandalur used to wait for office cab at the Vandalur flyover during her nightshifts. “But, as the place remains very dark I feel afraid and uncomfortable to be there. The officials should soon take steps to repair the lights,” she said.

A senior official with the National Highways Authority of India said that the maintenance of the flyover was handed over to the local body. It was now the municipal officials’ responsibility to repair the lights, he added.

However, Kattankulathur BDO Leema Rose said she was not aware of the maintenance of the flyover as there was no official information.

When contacted, special officer R Muthusundaram said that the responsibility of the maintenance was not yet handed over to the local body officially, pointing out that the local body was not paying the electricity bill. “After the flyover is handed over to us, we will repair the lights,” the official said.