Worn-out stretch a bother for Madhavaram residents

A cloud of dust constantly hovers over Madhavaram High Road, an important link that connects the GNT Road with areas including Madhavaram and Perambur. Motorists and residents say it has been at least a year since the road over which a lot of vehicles pass was re-laid.

S. Joseph, a Madhavaram resident, said that it is very tough to navigate the road that has a lot of potholes. “It is not just the top layer but even the one beneath that has worn off and there has been no attempt to repair it. Officials keep telling us that the road will be repaired,” he said.

V. Mukundan, who works in the Aavin dairy in Madhavaram, said that in the evenings, it is tougher for bike riders since vehicles would be parked on either side.

“It takes me an hour sometimes to cross the stretch from Thapal Petti to Moolakadai junction,” he said.

Highways Department officials said the road could not be relaid for over eight months due to Chennai Metrowater, Chennai Corporation and Tangedco works.

“Now, BSNL has sought permission to cut the road. We are yet to sanction permission. Repair works are being taken up now and will be completed in two weeks time. The road will be re-laid under the CRIDP scheme for a value of Rs. 7 crore and tenders have already been floated for this,” say sources.