Riding on dusty and potholed roads will be a thing of the past for residents in the neighbourhood, as the civic body has started to lay bitumen/tar roads.
According to a report, as many as 235 roads will be black-topped at a cost of Rs 20 crore in Kodambakkam zone.
There are 16 wards (127 to 142) in the zone and most of the roads have been damaged. As far as the neighbourhood is concerned, there are four wards – 131,132, 137 and 138, covering K K Nagar, MGR Nagar, Nesapakkam and Ashok Nagar.
“The work to lay roads has been given to a contractor. The work has commenced from Ponnambalam Salai, K K Nagar, and will continue in all other proposed streets one by one,” said an official.
Sixteen streets have been identified in the neighbourhood, excluding Ashok Nagar. “We have sent a list of roads to be laid at Ashok Nagar and we are yet to receive an order. Once approved, the work will commence,” another official said.
Residents have welcomed the civic body’s move. “The Ponnambalam Salai wears a new look now. The road was recently freed of encroachments and it is pleasant to ride on the stretch,” said Rajavel, a resident of Tenth Sector.
“The civic body should make sure that the newly-laid roads are not dug up citing development projects. In the past, after laying the tar, contractors used to dig to lay cables and sewage pipes. This should not happen now,” said a cross-section of residents.
“We are happy to see that Alagirisamy Road is one among the many that has been black-topped. As many schools are situated around the street, hundreds of parents using two-wheelers and cars use this stretch. The road has worn out and it was difficult for motorists to use it. Thanks to the officials for re-laying it now,” said motorists.