Ridden with potholes, Padikuppam Road in Anna Nagar is giving motorists a torrid time. The problem began when Chennai Metro Water completed its pipeline-laying work along the stretch. Following this, only a portion of the road was bitumen-topped, that too after continuous pressure from the residents. The rest of the stretch was however left unattended.
“At night, the stretch is a death trap as the sandy road, which is full of craters, is poorly illuminated,” says K. Devika, a resident.
Moreover, according to a Corporation proposal, this 16-feet stretch was to be widened up to 30 feet. As part of the project, encroachments were removed three years ago, but there was no further progress.
Despite representations from various residents’ welfare associations, the project has not been completed yet.
“There should be better coordination between the Corporation and Metro Water and the relaying of Padikuppam Road should be done at the earliest,” says J. Chidambaram, a long-time resident who campaigned for widening and relaying of the stretch.
Located between Ambattur Industrial Estate Road and the congested Poonamallee High Road, Padikuppam Road connects Kamaraj Nagar, Gandhi Street, Nehru Street and Anna Street with Estate Road and PH Road.
A Corporation official said, “Vehicular movement is round the clock on this stretch. We would fast-track the road work soon.”
