Chennai, May 25:
Thousands of daily commuters travelling along Mount Poonamallee Road are facing severe hardship due to damaged stretches, deep potholes, and mounting traffic congestion, largely attributed to ongoing works by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. The nearly 10-km stretch from Porur Flyover to Kathipara Junction—a crucial arterial route—has become increasingly difficult to navigate, affecting IT employees, office-goers, MTC buses, auto drivers, and two-wheeler riders on a daily basis.
Commuters complain that the road condition has deteriorated sharply over the past few months, with uneven surfaces and water-filled potholes posing safety risks, especially during peak hours. Frequent traffic snarls and bottlenecks have further added to travel delays, turning routine commutes into stressful and time-consuming journeys. Many residents and motorists allege that inadequate temporary restoration work during metro construction has worsened the situation.
Auto drivers and local residents have urged authorities to take immediate steps to repair the damaged portions and ensure safer travel conditions. They have also called for better traffic management measures until the metro work is completed.
According to officials from the Highways Department Tamil Nadu, road-laying work covering nearly 900 metres is planned along the affected stretch, but it may take more than 10 days for the work to commence. Authorities added that comprehensive road restoration can only begin after the removal of metro construction barricades, indicating that commuters may have to endure the current conditions for some more time.
With the road serving as a key link between western suburbs and central Chennai, the delay in repairs continues to impact thousands, raising concerns over commuter safety and urban infrastructure management.