Unrestored Road Cuts Strand Vehicles on Tambaram-Velachery Road
Under the Tambaram Municipal Corporation, motorists alleged that even in stretches where the work had been completed, the excavated portions had not been properly filled and the road surface restored
CHENNAI: Unrestored road cuts, dug up for laying drinking water pipelines, became a hazard for motorists on the East Tambaram-Velachery Road after heavy overnight rain inundated the stretch, leading to severe traffic snarls.
Under the Tambaram Municipal Corporation, motorists alleged that even in stretches where the work had been completed, the excavated portions had not been properly filled and the road surface restored.
The heavy rain on Saturday night stagnated water in the damaged stretches, concealing the pits and making it difficult for motorists to identify them. Cars, goods lorries and a Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus were among the vehicles that got stuck in the damaged road.
The stranded vehicles slowed traffic considerably, leaving commuters travelling from East Tambaram towards Velachery waiting for extended periods. Two-wheeler riders and other road users also faced considerable inconvenience while negotiating the stretch.
Motorists blamed the contractors carrying out the drinking water pipeline work, alleging they had failed to refill the excavations properly and restore the road after completing work.
They said leaving road cuts unrepaired was particularly dangerous during the northeast monsoon, when rainwater could conceal deep pits and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of vehicles getting stuck and accidents occurring.
Motorists urged the authorities to ensure that contractors promptly refill dug up sections, restore the road surface and provide safe passage for traffic, particularly during heavy rainfall.
