Rain-damaged roads cry for attention

The recent spell of heavy rain that resulted in loss of life and property has also left several roads battered, causing hardship to road users. Most of the arterial roads in Puducherry are riddled with potholes and worn-out eroded carriageways due to unprecedented rainfall and flooding under the impact of Cyclone Fengal.

With the Public Works Department yet to take up maintenance and repair works, several arterial roads such as the Villianur Road, Bussy Street, Vazhudavur Road, 100-feet Road and Ambour Salai have turned virtual deathtraps for motorists.

The stretch from Indira Gandhi square to Boomianpet on the Villianur Road has taken a severe beating with the top bituminous surface completed eroded in the rain. The road was laid recently. Since the number of vehicles plying through the road remains high, the loosely packed construction materials have started coming out of the potholes.

“Though the Public Works Department had carried out repair works on several roads in the city a few times before the onset of the northeast monsoon, the condition of the roads has only turned from bad to worse. The repair works were not carried as per quality standards and no milling was done,” said an urban planner.

He added, “The milling process involves removing the worn-out top layer of the road before applying fresh asphalt, ensuring durability and smoother driving conditions. However, this was not carried out and potholes have reappeared. There are roads, which come under the control of the PWD or the municipalities, but the maintenance of the roads calls for immediate attention.”

According to A. Ashwin, a resident of Thattanchavady, “It is appalling to see the bad conditions of the roads in the city. Though it is normal to see bad roads during the monsoon, the roads which were laid in the Boulevard under the Smart Cities mission, too have suffered damage in the rain. Most of the roads have become unmotorable and residents have been experiencing untold hardships.”

“A similar fate has befallen other stretches. The Bussy Street used by elected representatives and Ministers is eroded and all that remains are several potholes in its place for over a 500-metre stretch. Even cars are getting damaged due to the road condition, let alone two-wheelers. There is an urgent need to repair all the roads, said Udayakumar, a resident of Saram.

The PWD has planned to take up restoration of severely damaged roads after the monsoon, an official said.

Published - December 15, 2024 06:45 pm IST