Citizen Connect: Riding becomes perilous as rain fills potholes

Huge potholes filled with stagnant rainwater has been posing threats to motorists on Bajanai Koil Street in Choolaimedu and causing traffic bottleneck at the same time.

“I have been using this road for several months and it has remained the same without any attention. When it was not raining, we could at least see where the potholes are. Now, they are filled with rainwater, making riding difficult,” M Aravind, a motorist said.

When DT Next visited the spot, a huge pothole was seen near Sriramapuram Second Street junction and vehicles were moving at a slow pace to avoid falling into the water-filled pothole. “Due to the rains, the size and depth of the pothole have increased and the officials should take necessary steps to fix the spot before its condition deteriorates,” Aravind added.

Apart from motorists, the particular pothole had made walking on the street difficult as vehicles tend to move haphazardly to evade the pothole.

S Senthil Kumar, a resident of Sriramapuram, said that due to the pothole, pedestrians face difficulties while walking. “Bajanai Koil Street has several shops and remains busy throughout the day. Entering the street from Sriramapuram is not easy as some vehicles swerve suddenly to avoid the pothole,” he pointed out.

Residents of Choolaimedu, particularly who live near Bajanai Koil Street, Vanniyar Street and Choolaimedu High Road, are tired of the bad condition of the streets. Unattended road cuts and potholes give back pain to the two-wheeler riders.

“Even though Zacharia Colony and Trust Puram are located near Choolaimedu, streets in those localities are in good condition. This only is because of the lopsided attitude of officials as higher-income people reside in those areas,” a resident riled.

Meanwhile, a wine shop located on Bajanai Koil Street has also become a reason for traffic snarls. “Every day after 9 pm, one could not cross the road without waiting for at least a few minutes as customers park their vehicles on the street. Corporation officials and the police should streamline parking near the wine shop,” the resident added.

When asked, a Chennai Corporation official said that they have started re-laying Choolaimedu High Road and milling has been done. “We will also take steps to repair other interior roads before the onset of monsoon. Temporary measures will be taken to fill potholes,” the official assured.