Bad roads in Tiruchi – The Hindu

This pothole-ridden stretch of VOC Road near the Tiruchi Central Bus Station is a bumpy ride for vehicle drivers. | Photo credit: M. MORTY

The condition of several roads in Tiruchi has deteriorated following the recent rain.

Commuters expressed concern about slippery surfaces and potholes on the city’s main roads. On several key roads, the top layer of roads has been washed away and potholes have formed, leading to skidding of vehicles, especially two-wheelers.

Important areas including Karur Bypass, Bishop Road, Bharathidasan Salai, Old Madurai Road, VOC Road, Mela Chintamani, EVR Road and roads around the Central Bus Station, Tillai Nagar and Srirangam were damaged. Recently constructed roads were also damaged during the rain.

As the number of vehicles plying on these roads remains high, loose material has started coming out of the potholes. The condition of the road has deteriorated during the recent rains in the city.

Similarly, the newly constructed Pattabiraman Salai and Shakti Vinayagar Kovil roads in Crawford, which were damaged during the summer showers, remain unrepaired. Roads have collapsed in many places, causing inconvenience to motorists.

“The authorities failed to resolve the problems in time, and now that it is raining, it is a risky trip. Vehicles find it difficult to navigate as the road is gravel and potholes are filled with water. Instead of filling potholes with gravel, prompt action should be taken to level the road,” said motorist D. Britto.

Civil activist N. Jamaludin said that many large areas are in poor condition. “The authorities should carry out milling before relaying the road and ensure the quality of the roads. They must act quickly to take action and prevent potential road tragedies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the civic body has sought ₹40 crore from the state government to repair roads damaged by the ongoing rain. All damaged roads will be rebuilt after the northeast monsoon season. The civic body had planned to take up the restoration of severely damaged roads at a cost of ₹1 crore on priority basis.