Chennai Corporation Sets Deadline for Roadworks

The Chennai Corporation has mandated a strict deadline for the completion of all roadworks initiated by various government agencies and utility providers. By September, the city’s officials have instructed the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco), and telecom companies to cease all ongoing roadworks, warning that any active projects will result in the revocation of their permits.

This directive follows numerous complaints from residents who have expressed dissatisfaction with the state of roads, which have been left partially constructed or in disrepair for extended periods. In response, the Corporation has also alerted the police department to halt any traffic diversion permissions from September onward. A weekly review meeting, chaired by a senior official, will be held every Tuesday to monitor the status of roadworks across the city. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with the new deadline and address ongoing issues promptly.

Residents of Kuberan Nagar extension, where roadwork by the metro water authority has dragged on for two years, have voiced particular concern. Local residents report that the uncompleted road becomes nearly impassable during rainfall, exacerbating transportation difficulties and contributing to overall dissatisfaction with municipal services. Additionally, the civic action group Arappor Iyakkam has raised concerns regarding the relaying of Wall Tax road by the Highways department. The group argues that the road, which was recently resurfaced in 2021, does not require a complete relay at this time, calling into question the necessity and financial prudence of the project.

In preparation for the monsoon season, the Corporation is actively de-silting stormwater drains across 790 km of inundation-prone zones and clearing blockages in the confluence of Mambalam Canal and Adyar. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been tasked with providing 10 HP to 150 HP pumps as needed and repairing damaged drains, a process that has been expedited following a recent high-level review meeting. This comprehensive approach by the Chennai Corporation underscores its commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges and improving urban management in the face of both routine and emergency demands.