COIMBATORE: With crumbling roads turning into potential death traps across Coimbatore, mounting public anger has put the spotlight on the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) and the State Highways Department. Residents say the poor condition of several key stretches, left damaged after underground drainage (UGD) and 24x7 water supply project work, has already claimed lives and continues to endanger motorists.
The latest tragedy occurred on Kamarajar Road, where a police inspector lost her life after an accident linked to the dug-up surface during works by the firm Suez for the 24/7 water supply project. The incident forced the highways department to begin long-delayed restoration works, though officials have blamed the CCMC for delays in handing over the damaged roads for repairs.
Amid these concerns, the Subramaniyampalayam-GN Mills stretch has emerged as one of the most dangerous spots. Locals say the road, left in a battered state for months, has become nearly impossible to navigate. "More than half of the road is damaged," said S Ganesan, a resident of Swathi Gardens. "On dry days, it turns into a dust bowl and a sludge field when it rains. Will the officials only start taking action after a death or a human sacrifice?"
"We risk accidents every time we travel on this stretch," said A Ashok, a commuter. "It is shocking that such a busy road has been ignored for so long."
A senior official from the State Highways Department told TNIE temporary measures have already been taken. "We have put wet mix on the damaged surfaces along the entire stretch to allow vehicles to ply," the official explained. "After the upcoming pooja holidays, we will begin BT (tar) paving over the wet mix. Since we work only between 12 am and 4 am by diverting traffic, progress is slow; once paving starts, the road will be completely restored within a week."
While the assurance brings some relief, residents say they will believe it only when the work is completed.