Raja Colony in Cantonment, one of the most sought-after residential localities in Tiruchirapalli City Corporation limits, is slowly and steadily losing its sheen thanks to the pathetic roads.
The colony has been known for its broad roads and neat and clean environment, and is close to the central bus stand and important State and Central government offices. However, many residents complain that Raja Colony can no longer be considered a great locality as it lacks civic maintenance and amenities.
Except a few streets, most of the roads are riddled with potholes. Some of the roads have almost become mud roads.
The Tiruchirapalli City Corporation had laid the roads about five years ago, and there was hardly any maintenance work after that. Moreover, the number of vehicles using the roads have also increased manifold over the years.
Pointing to the ever-mushrooming apartments and schools in the colony, a resident said that heavy vehicles plying on the roads with construction materials have damaged the roads extensively. The colony had lost its charm due to unbridled development too. Though the authorities were petitioned to re-lay the roads, no action has been initiated so far, the residents said.
“There is an urgent need to re-lay the roads in Raja Colony. The glory of the residential locality could be restored only if the civic body refurbishes all the basic amenities in the area. It could be made a model residential locality if attention is given to maintaining the environment neat and clean,” said K.Needhi, a resident of Raja Colony.
Just as some towns and town panchayats are designated as model local bodies, the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation should identify some residential localities in the city to provide them with all modern amenities, the residents said.
