COIMBATORE: Motorists using the service road near the Uppilipalayam flyover have urged the authorities to urgently restore the damaged stretch near the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus depot, which has remained in poor condition for several weeks following pipeline works.
The road was dug up by Suez Project Pvt Ltd as part of the 24x7 water supply project being implemented for the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC). The firm has been executing the project in 60 wards of the city. However, the project has been progressing slowly and is yet to be finished. Though the pipeline installation work has reportedly been completed, the damaged portion of the road has not been properly restored for weeks.
"It is frustrating to travel on this road every day. The road was dug up for pipeline work and has been left in this condition even after the work was completed. Since the stretch is narrow, motorists have very little space to manoeuvre," said R Maniraj, a regular commuter.
Another motorist, S Tharun Kumar, said the authorities should not wait for a major accident before taking action. "Two-wheelers are particularly vulnerable here. When vehicles approach from opposite directions, avoiding the damaged portion becomes difficult. Authorities should at least carry out temporary repairs immediately," he said.
The service road is already narrow, and the damaged portions running through the middle of the stretch have made it difficult for motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, to pass through safely. During peak hours, vehicles are forced to slow down or move around the uneven surface, leading to inconvenience and the risk of minor accidents.
Speaking to TNIE, CCMC Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja said the corporation was taking up restoration works on roads under its jurisdiction, as well as National Highways where stretches had been dug up for the project.
"For state highways, we deposit the required amount with the highways department, after which the department undertakes the restoration. However, the highways department is yet to float tenders for the road restoration works. The district collector is also monitoring the restoration works," he said.
He added that the corporation has requested the highways department to carry out temporary patchwork on the damaged stretches until the tender process was completed. Residents and motorists, meanwhile, have urged the authorities to ensure that the temporary repairs are carried out without further delay.
