Chennai: Excavation on Veerabatharan Street causing inconvenience to motorists

Chennai: Residents of Veerabatharan Street in Nungambakkam have been facing a lot of hardship for over a month, as the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has allegedly dug up the stretch and left it in a dilapidated condition. Veerabatharan Street has been serving as a major arterial and retail road since traffic diversions were implemented due to Metro Rail work on Uthmar Gandhi Salai and Nungambakkam High Road. Thousands of vehicles use this stretch daily. However, for the past month, commuters and residents have been facing difficulties navigating the severely damaged road, which was allegedly dug up by the Corporation for reasons still unknown to locals. A resident told DT Next, “We have been facing this poor condition of the road for over a month. The Corporation did not inform the residents before digging up the road. Even when we asked the officials about the reason for the work, we did not get a proper answer.” He further alleged that this stretch has become dangerous for motorists. He said, “Travel on this road is very difficult. Last month alone, more than 17 bikers have fallen due to the uneven road. Most of them were women dropping their children to school.” The resident also said that the area is a medical hub, with at least five hospitals nearby, including the AINU Dialysis Center and Vinita Hospital. Ambulances often pass through this route after traffic diversions. Furthermore, during rains, the road becomes heavily flooded due to poor stormwater drain construction. Residents have appealed to authorities to immediately repair the road before the rains return. When contacted, GCC officials were unavailable for comment.