COIMBATORE: Motorists and residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in completing underground drainage (UGD) pipeline repair works on Edayar Street, a crucial link road connecting Salivan Street and Telugu Street in the heart of the city.
The 100-metre stretch serves as an important connector between Telugu Street, Salivan Street and Samiyar New Street, facilitating smooth movement between the West and Central zones of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC).
As both Salivan Street and Telugu Street are one-way roads, motorists, particularly four-wheeler users, depend heavily on Edayar Street to travel in the opposite direction and reach the other road.
The disruption began after an ageing UGD pipeline developed a rupture several days ago. In response, CCMC officials closed the stretch and initiated repair works. However, despite more than a week having passed, the road has not been fully restored for regular traffic movement.
While authorities recently reopened the stretch for two-wheelers, commuters say travelling through the partially repaired road remains a challenge due to uneven surfaces and dust generated by the ongoing works.
"Every day we have to take detours or ride through a dusty stretch. The work has been going on for days, and there seems to be little progress visible to the public," said R Karthikeyan, a regular commuter.
Another motorist, S Dhanush, said, "This is a busy link road. Even though two-wheelers are allowed now, the broken surface creates discomfort and raises safety concerns, especially during peak hours," she said.
Residents and motorists have urged the civic body to expedite the remaining work and restore normal traffic movement at the earliest.
Responding to concerns, a senior CCMC official said that major repair works have been completed and only minor patchwork remain.
"The pending work will be completed within a day or two. Wet mix has been laid as a temporary measure to facilitate vehicle movement. After the surface settles for around 10 days, concrete will be laid on the affected portion. Subsequently, subject to approval and fund allocation, a new road will be laid," the official said.