Residents of Chromepet are voicing their frustrations over deteriorating road conditions, with many claiming that repairs made prior to the pandemic have quickly fallen into disrepair. Navigating these roads has become increasingly challenging, not just for pedestrians but also for drivers. Key areas like Purusothaman Nagar, Old Hasthinapuram Main Road, Nemilichery High Road, and the Jain Nagar-AGS colony stretch are now pocked with potholes and cuts, leaving residents disillusioned with local infrastructure.
S.M. Govindarajan, president of the United Federation of Residents’ Welfare Association, highlighted a specific area near Abhirami Thirumana Koodam, describing it as “practically an accident zone.” He recounted witnessing numerous bikers skid on the hazardous surface, adding that the absence of a zone chairman has left these communities feeling abandoned. “It feels like we’ve been left to fend for ourselves,” Govindarajan stated.
Concerns regarding the condition of Old Hasthinapuram Main Road mirror those expressed by Govindarajan. Local residents lament that many roads resurface previously were poorly constructed and have quickly succumbed to wear and tear. Prabhakar, a frequent commuter from Chitlapakkam, emphasized that repeated requests for durable road surfaces capable of weathering rain have gone unaddressed. “Instead, we’re left with speed breakers that require correction, putting undue stress on our senior citizens and the children attending nearby schools,” he explained.
Younger residents have turned to platforms like Reddit to voice their dissatisfaction, dubbing the streets of Chromepet “nightmare roads.” A common sentiment among this demographic is that the focus should not merely be on surface repairs, but rather on creating long-lasting infrastructure. “With the monsoon approaching in a couple of months, the civic body’s priority must be ensuring road quality,” argued senior social activist Santhanam V.
In response to these mounting concerns, Tambaram Corporation commissioner S. Balachander revealed that the government has allocated ₹140 crores for municipal road improvements, which is significantly more than the funding received from 2021 to 2023. He assured that all roads have already been tendered and work orders were issued recently. “Within two months, all damaged roads will be repaired and restored,” Balachander promised.
As the community waits for these changes, it remains to be seen whether the pledged improvements will meet the expectations of frustrated residents who have endured countless challenges navigating the crumbling infrastructure. Their calls for sustainable solutions highlight an urgent need for a reassessment of the standards applied to road maintenance in the area.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chromepet-residents-decry-pathetic-condition-of-roads/article69652682.ece
Category : Chennai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-06-04 00:54:00
