Potholed and tired looking streets in Vadapalani, Chennai, got a fresh lease of life as the authorities are fast laying blacktop roads at every nook and corner of the neighbourhood.
Even at places where traffic snarls were high, new tarmac seems to have been laid, said residents. “The junction at Arcot Road from Sivan Koil Street always had share autos troubling motorists and pedestrians. Because fresh tarmac has been laid, the road seems to have increased in width, easing traffic flow,” stated Shankar, a resident.
New roads have been laid at places like Thangal Street in Virugambakkam, on Arcot Road near Vembuliamman temple, streets in Alwarthirunagar and the stretch that runs from the bridge laid by CMRL on 100 Feet Road.
Residents are a happy lot and some even said the new tarmac has eased congestion on Arcot Road.
“Because the roads are being laid at night, the public are not troubled and workers complete the task fast. Further, the roads do not get ruined as ample time is given for it to set. Also, I witness authorities milling every road before laying a new coat of tarmac over it, making sure that the road height does not increase,” said Suresh, a resident of Virugambakkam.
However, there are other issues, pointed out residents, especially with platforms getting neglected during the road-laying process. “While roads boast of a new look, the pavements are still broken. Fresh flooring needs to be laid so that pedestrians do not stray on to the road and risk getting hit by a speeding vehicle,” said Preethi, a motorist.
Further, traffic is still an issue in some places, point out residents.
“I go via South Sivan Koil Street daily and I see that the junction of the street with the road (at right turn heading towards Vadapalani) is jam-packed with traffic round-the-clock and the reason, I suppose, is the distance between the two right turns present there, which is very short,” said Latha, a doctor by profession and a resident of South Sivan Koil Street.
She said the right turn at Sivan Koil Street intersection may be done away with. “This, in my opinion, would definitely ease traffic congestion,” she asserts.
“The introduction of the right turn at the intersection of Sivan Koil Street last March was done to ease traffic. But motorists continue with the old route anyway. Therefore, it can be done away with,” said Savarimuthu, a resident.
Priya, a social activist and resident of Vadapalani, says the civic body should conduct a survey and hold a meeting on ways and means to control traffic congestion and find possible ways to divert traffic effectively on Arcot road.
When News Today Team contacted the traffic cops present at the spot, it was informed that steps to streamline the traffic on Arcot Road was under way.