Feature Image Courtesy: Sidharth.M.P X handle
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on 21 September 2023, that a comprehensive survey of the road conditions in Chennai and various districts across the state will be initiated in the coming week. This decision came in response to a growing chorus of grievances from the public regarding the deplorable state of roads in the region, which has only worsened with the onset of North East monsoons.
Stalin pledged his personal commitment to overseeing the efforts to enhance and repair the dilapidated road infrastructure. The persistently dire condition of roads in Chennai, compounded by the recent heavy rainfall, has left commuters in a state of considerable discomfort. The roads have essentially turned into veritable mud baths, making daily travel an arduous ordeal for the hundreds of employees who rely on these routes to earn their livelihoods.
Critics argue that the government’s response to this predicament has been conspicuously lacking in urgency and efficiency. The condition of Chennai’s roads serves as a stark reminder of the administration’s under-preparedness for the monsoons.
The rains have exposed the pathetic condition of many roads including those that lead to the offices of big international companies in the heart of the city.
The roads in Guindy Industrial Estate turned into a marshy mess just after a few spells of rain.
Office during #Diwali2023 :Please come dressed for the occasion
The roads that lead to office…
Using bikes or walking here is a horror!This road leads to city offices of @Dell @Verizon @DXCTechnology and probably @HPIndia – at Olympia Tech Park #chennai https://t.co/UoDuWNkzHN
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 4, 2023
The main road adjoining the gate of Olympia Tech Park which is one of the busiest junctions in the city has also turned into nightmare for motorists.
Dell, Verizon, DXC, HP operate out of prime property Olympia #tech park, in the heart of #chennai Guindy…
This is the main road adjoining their gate..among the busiest junctions in our city
Brilliant impression we are creating with these craters! @CMOTamilnadu @SDMeena_IAS pic.twitter.com/ZF1r9BIvPy
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 4, 2023
The shortcut from St. Thomas Hospital near Military area which leads to Olympia Tech Park has turned into a muddy pool causing extreme inconvenience and posing serious threat to motorists as it leads to skidding.
From #chennai St Thomas Hospital near Military area, this is the stretch that leads towards Olympia tech park, Guindy. This is a short cut to a main road and many vehicles use this to avoid traffic..This area houses several companies/logistics warehouses #Tamilnadu Govt apathy! https://t.co/UoDuWNk1Sf pic.twitter.com/iLQ88I7U7A
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 4, 2023
In a few cases, authorities sprung into action after it was highlighted by a prominent journalists.
Latest update https://t.co/kraDb3Wn91
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 5, 2023
However, many areas in the city have pot-holed roads posing serious hazard and causing severe traffic jams.
Netizens have taken to social media to vent their frustrations, expressing disappointment in the DMK government’s failure to uphold its promise of ensuring better road infrastructure prior to the monsoon season. They have shared images and accounts of the abysmal road conditions in Chennai, underlining the need for immediate action to rectify this pressing issue.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.