Bad roads remain a burning problem

Roads are in pathetic condition in several prime localities, say residents

One of the arterial roads in the Central Bus stand area that has been eroded after the recent rains. Photo: B. Velankanni Raj

Many of the city roads have taken a battering after the recent rain. Even moderate showers causes damage to the roads in the city, causing hardship to the road users. The roads in and around Ariyamangalam, Rockins Road, Golden Rock area, Royal Road, and Tiruvanaikovil have developed a number of potholes, following moderate showers in the past couple of weeks.

The worst-hit are roads around the Central Bus stand area — the Racquet Court Lane and VOC Road for instance. The problem got compounded because of the diversion of buses following the construction of the bridge in the Aristo Roundabout area.

Outgoing buses towards Manapparai, Palani, Dindigul, Theni, and Kambam are diverted through the Racquet Court Lane while the buses coming from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam pass through the VOC Road. Because of the diversion of a large number of heavy vehicles, both roads have developed potholes and are unsafe to ride through.

Two-wheelers and pedestrians are the worst-hit by the potholes at several places in the Rockins Road, Racquet Court Lane, and Royal Road. Drivers of heavy vehicles on Rockins Road and Racquet Court Lane have to exercise extra caution to avoid pedestrians and two-wheelers who, in their attempt to avoid the potholes, reach up to the middle of the road.

The bad condition of the roads poses a challenge to the traffic police personnel who struggle hard in diverting the traffic, particularly heavy vehicles. A traffic constable attributes the bad condition of the road to diversion of heavy vehicles.

Although the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation has been executing patch works periodically on the roads in the Central bus stand area, it ensures just temporary restoration.

“Permanent remedy should be evolved by setting up concrete road,” says K. Murugesan, Supervisor, Organisation for Rehabilitation of the Blind in Tiruchi (ORBIT). He says the employees of ORBIT have to trek with extra care, every time the city experiences moderate showers. V. Vinoth, a fitter, says he often finds it difficult to understand the surface level on the ground.

“I am often misled by the sudden emergence of potholes, stagnant waters, and the bad condition of the road,” he says explaining his confusion over differentiating between stagnant waters and potholes.

S. Murugesan, another employee, said the Rockins Road should be immediately repaired. “A major part of the road has been closed to traffic, causing risk to the safety of two-wheeler riders,” he says.

The corporation has evolved a special plan to provide permanent restoration of roads, says V.P. Thandapani, corporation Commissioner.

He says 29 works will be executed to a cumulative length of 47 km for which special funds to the tune of Rs. 18.5 crore has been sanctioned under the Tamil Nadu Urban Road Infrastructure Fund scheme. As a permanent measure, paver road will be provided in specific area such as Central bus stand where heavy vehicles pass through. The funds will be utilised for constructing retaining walls and drainage channels, he says.