Citizen Connect: Residents see red as manhole work reduces width of 70 feet road in Kolathur

The ongoing manhole works on 70 feet road – or the Sivagnanam Road – in Periyar Nagar have left the residents of both Periyar Nagar and Jawahar Nagar fuming, as the width of the road reduced by more than half due to this. This has resulted in traffic congestion along the stretch, especially during the peak hours.

The road bifurcates Periyar Nagar and Jawahar Nagar, both located in Kolathur constituency. Periyar Nagar is one of the densely populated area with large number of Secretariat staff. The 70 feet road is one of the important roads that links Periyar Nagar and Jawahar Nagar to Perambur and Kolathur.

Recently, the entire stretch of road was re-laid in different phases but it covered several manholes due to which the road had to be dug again to open them, resulting in damages to the newly laid road.

Apart from this, the road was also dug up for laying pipelines and other works. But these ditches were not covered properly, because of which one part of the road has been closed for traffic. Police barricades were placed to prevent people from treading on that part of the road.

While this is in view of safety of the road users, the road width reduced by the ditch was further narrowed by the barricades. Now, the stretch has shrunk so badly that it leaves space for just a small car to pass by. All bigger vehicles, including garbage lorries of the city Corporation, have to take an alternate route to cross the area. Residents said that the delay in work has led to constant traffic congestion here.

Nandakumar, a Southern Railway employee residing at Periyar Nagar, said that the dug-up road has been causing several nuisances to the public. The left side of the barricade has been occupied by a cobbler and a tiffin shop, so the motorists are forced to use the right side of the road, which has reduced width.

“If the motorists are not careful while taking a turn near the barricade, they might end up colliding with another vehicle. Corporation officials should complete the work soon and should remove the barricade,” he said.

Manjunathan, a High Court Advocate whose house is in Jawahar Nagar, said the road was closed for a minor work. But they have not completed even that, resulting in creating great stress for residents. Corporation officials should take up the work immediately and should clear the road for traffic, demanded Manjunathan.

When asked about the issue, the Corporation Zonal official replied that the civic body would take up immediate action to finish the work.