‘Works far from over, October 20 deadline may not be met’

CHENNAI: Scarred by past experiences, Chennaiites, especially motorists and pedestrians, are worried what is in store for them this monsoon. They are not convinced about the officials’ assurances that the works would be over by October 20.

One of the worst-affected city areas in 2021 was Kolathur. However, the storm water drains are not over, due to which Senthil Nagar Road and Water Canal Road are in a bad shape for more than four months.

“Last year, it took at least a week for the knee-deep stagnant water to drain out. Now, the road has become even worse and gets flooded even for a moderate spell. Though the roads were relaid recently, the blacktop has gotten stripped within a month due to waterlogging,” said S Mohan Babu, a resident, who pointed out that the people were suffering despite it being the CM’s constituency.

This is also posing risk to motorists, especially two-wheeler riders.

It was after years of appeal that the civic body laid pavement with rails near Padi. But almost immediately afterwards, it was dug up by Tangedco. Even though the work is completed, the road is yet to be relaid.

Similarly, several roads in north Chennai have been in bad shape for more than a year due to the Metro Rail works. “The entire north Chennai is left out, with govt departments and civic authorities not paying attention to repair and maintain the roads. When it rains, it is difficult to even walk as the roads are muddy and slippery,” fumed Sathyaraj, an activist.

Roads there, including important ones like Ennore High Road, Tiruvottiyur High Road, Vaithyanathan Road, and the ones in VOC Nagar and Manali, are damaged severely.