Residents of Noombal are facing significant daily challenges as the deteriorating Noombal-Velappanchavadi road continues to disrupt access to essential services. For nearly a year, the 1-kilometer stretch has become nearly impassable due to widespread potholes, leaving many to navigate a dangerous path where stagnant rainwater often obscures deep pits. “Walking on the pothole-ridden road is a daily ordeal,” remarked local resident D. Varadharajulu, emphasizing the increased dangers after rains. “Motorists often skid and fall, and it’s challenging to maneuver the road even during medical emergencies.”
This crucial route serves around 15,000 vehicles daily, connecting Velappanchavadi to key areas such as Thundalam, Iyappanthangal, and the Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital in Porur. Despite repeated pleas for repair over the past three years, negligence has led to its rapid decline, exacerbated by additional damage from an incomplete storm-water drain project. According to members of the Vinoth Apartment Residents Welfare Association, even basic services like gas cylinder deliveries are disrupted. “Some families have even moved out of the area, unable to wait any longer for the road to be re-laid,” one resident reported.
Residents face escalating obstacles, with many school van drivers opting to drop children at more accessible locations due to the road’s poor condition. The night-time travel presents another layer of risk, as inadequate lighting further complicates navigation along the hazardous stretch. In response, local community leaders have threatened to take matters into their own hands. “We plan to mobilize funds from the community and fill the potholes ourselves on June 24 if the local authority fails to initiate repairs,” said S. Yuvaraj of the Public Environment and Awareness Society.
The Thiruverkadu Municipality Commissioner, N. Dakshinamoorthy, acknowledged the issue, attributing the road’s frequent damage to heavy vehicular traffic servicing nearby industrial units. He assured that temporary repairs would commence within two days and confirmed that the long-awaited re-laying project would begin by the second week of July, following recommendations from Anna University aimed at improving the road’s durability.
As the deadline for municipal action approaches, residents remain hopeful but weary. Their daily lives hinge on the timely restoration of this essential thoroughfare, leaving many to ponder their options as they wait for much-needed improvements to arrive.
Published – June 23, 2025 12:52 am IST
Categories: Chennai
Tags: Noombal, road repairs, community challenges, municipal issues
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/poor-condition-of-road-in-noombal-disrupts-daily-life-hits-essential-services/article69721429.ece
Category : Chennai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-06-23 00:52:00
