TIRUCHY: As beautification works on the centre medians of Karur Bypass Road and Major Saravanan Road has come to a halt due to poor coordination among Tiruchy corporation officials, partially demolished medians are left with sharp exposed rods protruding onto the carriageway. This poses a serious safety risk to commuters, particularly motorists.
The corporation plans to beautify medians on 25 roads in the city by widening existing structures and creating space for ornamental plants. In the first phase, works were planned on 12 major roads covering 9 km through private contractors. The existing medians on the Karur Bypass Road in the city and Major Saravanan Road were being demolished to make way for wider structures capable of accommodating ornamental plants and advertising boards, sources said.
During the August 27 council meeting, several councillors strongly objected to the works and questioned the decision to reduce road space on stretches that are already prone to congestion. They also expressed concern that advertising boards could eventually be installed on the medians, potentially distracting motorists and increasing the risk of accidents. The issue has also raised questions over expenditure, particularly as both roads had undergone earlier median-related works.
According to sources, the 1.25-km redevelopment of the Karur Bypass Road, including a centre median with high-beam lighting, storm-water drains and pedestrian facilities, was taken up at Rs 7.75 crore. On Major Saravanan Road, the existing median was demolished and replaced with a new ornamental median in 2022 at Rs 23 lakh.
Ward 57 councillor T Muthuselvam (DMK) told TNIE, “Why did the officials demolish recently constructed medians that were still in good condition? This clearly shows poor coordination among corporation officials, particularly the Commissioner. Even the Mayor and councillors were not informed about the work.”He said that the officials were neglecting basic civic works while taking up beautification projects without adequate consultation.
“Beautification is not an emergency work, but it was taken up without proper consultation. Officials acted independently without keeping elected representatives informed,” Muthuselvam added.
The abrupt stoppage has left portions of the medians in an unfinished condition, with exposed steel rods creating a potential hazard for road user. M Varadharajan, a motorist said, “The sharp rods are a threat to motorists crossing both roads.” He added these roads are already narrow stretches, and roadside parking further reduces the available space. If the corporation further narrows the road for beautification, where will motorists go?”
Mayor Mu Anbalagan told TNIE, “Officials had not informed him about the work. If they had informed me, I could have given suggestions. I came to know about it only during the council meeting. The work was subsequently stopped because these are narrow roads.”
Tiruchy Corporation Commissioner Veer Pratap Singh said, “Beautification works are necessary to improve the appearance of the roads. However, following objections, the work was stopped. I have already instructed officials to remove the exposed rods and will take necessary action.”