Open ducts, displaced slabs on the pavement and potholes on the road. Using the service lane on many stretches on Rajiv Gandhi Salai (formerly Old Mahabilapuram Road) has become a nightmare for residents and motorists. Some wonder why they must pay the toll fee for such poorly-maintained roads. The toll fee was revised a few months ago.
The quality or the safety of the service lanes have not improved. They put the lives of motorists and pedestrians at risk.
It is less than three years since the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC), which maintains the road, built service lanes with pavements, but today many sections are poorly managed, which includes vehicles being allowed to be parked at unauthorised areas.
“Roads are generally re-laid after five to six years. If the stretch is un-motorable, we do patch work. The ducts beneath the service lanes are for stormwater drains, drinking water lines, telecom lines and sewage lines. The respective agency opens it for their work. And then, they have to close it,” said an official of the TNRDC.
Many heavy vehicles have damaged many stretches of the service lane, said the official.
Complaints can be emailed to gmpo.tnrdc@gmail.com
“I avoid the service lanes. Potholes and open ducts are the reason. Also, haphazardly parked vehicles make it unsafe to drive,”
S.D Ezhilmathy, a regular commuter to Thoraipakkam
“Heavy vehicles such as trucks and vans must be prohibited from taking these service lanes as they charge a toll on the road. Parked vehicles have congested this road, making it difficult to walk.”
Mary Mani, member, Thoraipakkam Ladies’ Club
Complaints can be emailed to gmpo.tnrdc@gmail.com
