Chennai roads damaged in floods to be repaired


The Tamil Nadu Highways Department has embarked on a crucial mission to address the extensive damage caused to major Chennai roads during the floods in December 2023. TamAllocating a significant sum of ₹20 crore for 28 projects, the department aims to undertake temporary repairs on key routes, including Velachery-Tambaram Road and Tambaram-Mudichur Road.
The repair efforts come in response to the pressing need to restore vital transportation arteries that suffered significant damage during the unprecedented floods. Initially, emergency repairs were conducted to mitigate immediate hazards. However, the ongoing work is expected to extend over an extended period to ensure comprehensive restoration of the affected roads.
One of the primary challenges faced by residents is the incomplete restoration of roads like Tambaram-Mudichur Road, where previous infrastructure projects, such as stormwater drain and water line installations, remain unfinished. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of these incomplete projects on the effectiveness of the current repair efforts.
The decision to undertake temporary repairs is fueled by the insufficient funds allocated by the Central government for addressing the aftermath of the floods in nine districts. In response, the State government has stepped in to provide funding for the repair works, recognizing the urgent need to alleviate the hardships faced by residents and commuters.
To minimize disruptions to traffic flow, nighttime work schedules have been planned, with repairs estimated to take approximately 10 days to complete. This strategic approach aims to balance the imperative of swift repair with the need to minimize inconvenience to the public.
In total, the State government has earmarked ₹250 crore for temporary road repairs across Tamil Nadu, with specific allocations designated for various districts. Notably, districts severely affected by the floods, such as Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram, have received significant allocations to expedite the restoration process.