Residents, motorists bear the brunt as diversion leaves busy street in tatters

For long, the motorists passing through Seeniamman Koil Street in Tondiarpet have found it difficult to negotiate the stretch, which is in a poor condition. Now, after the recent rains, their situation has gone from bad to worse, as it has not only damaged the road further, but also led to water stagnation.

After the Chennai Metro Rail took up work in Tondiarpet, the vehicles were diverted through the Seeniamman Koil Street. Due to this, there are many buses and other heavy vehicles that are now using this road, which has increased the congestion manifold even as it made the condition of the road worse.

“This road has remained damaged for long, with the recent showers making it worse. After each rain, water stagnates here resulting in traffic jams, especially during peak hours. In addition to this, overflowing sewage clogs the road, making the situation difficult for both commuters and residents,” said Nandhini R, a motorist from Royapuram.

Such is the situation on the road that it is difficult even for ambulances to pass through, said the public, adding that though the commuters and residents have raised numerous complaints, no action was forthcoming from the officials. According to Karthikeyan M, another commuter from Tiruvottiyur, they are tired of giving complaints, as the officials have not even bothered to inspect the place to understand the issues first-hand.

“There are at least 10-15 accidents happening here almost every day. We also spoke to the nearby police station about the accidents. But I don’t think even they are taking it up with the higher officials. When the Metro Water tankers come this way, we have to wait for a long time to cross this road. There is no alternative way to reach the main road also,” said Karthikeyan.

In the afternoon, there are scores of residents waiting in a long line with their vessels to fill water from Metro Water pump.

When asked, a PWD official said the road was re-laid only a year ago but was damaged earlier than expected due to the heavy vehicles that pass through. “We have asked the traffic police to figure out an alternate route to reduce the traffic on this stretch. We are waiting for the Chennai Metro Rail work to be completed. Once it is over, we will start the work from the main road,” said the official.