In the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal, the Highways Department has launched an extensive repair initiative to address the damage caused to roads across Chennai and its suburbs. The heavy rains and waterlogging, coupled with the movement of heavy vehicles, have significantly damaged road surfaces in several areas, leading to the formation of potholes and degraded patches.To ensure the safety of motorists, the department has begun temporary repairs using materials such as cold mix and wet mix macadam. These materials are being used to patch up damaged sections of the roads. In areas where larger patches of the road have been affected, a mix of blue metal and quarry fine material is being used to restore the surfaces temporarily.
Officials have clarified that these repairs are only interim solutions, and permanent restoration will be carried out after the conclusion of the Northeast Monsoon.
Several major roads in the city are undergoing repairs, with a focus on heavily damaged sections. The following roads are among the key ones being addressed:
Anna Salai, Poonamallee High Road,
Jawaharlal Nehru Salai,
Velachery-Tambaram Road, MGR Salai,
Mudichur Road, Madhavaram-Redhills Road, Tiruvottiyur-Ponneri-Pancheti Road.
Additionally, road cuts that were made to mitigate waterlogging in nearby residential areas have been repaired to restore smooth traffic flow.
The Highways Department has also taken steps to alleviate the impact of waterlogging in flood-prone areas. Over 100 locations have been cleared by pumping out water, and pumps will remain stationed at key spots to handle any further rain-induced flooding.
Officials have confirmed that while many roads in the city remained unaffected due to well-maintained drainage systems, repair works on the damaged stretches are expected to be completed within the next two days.
Residents, particularly in areas like Velachery, have welcomed the repairs. For many two-wheeler riders, navigating through water-covered potholes had become a significant challenge. The ongoing repair work is expected to significantly improve road safety and ease traffic congestion, providing much-needed relief to commuters.