Highways Department takes up repairs to footpaths in Chennai

Highways Department repairing footpaths along arterial roads, repositioning granite stones, installing handrails, and filling with earth.

The Highways Department is taking up repairs to footpaths, along arterial roads, that were damaged in the course of various civic works. The 2ft x 2ft granite stones of the platforms, which were dug up for cable-laying work, are being repositioned and anchored using cement concrete.

“We are filling up the footpaths with earth. In some places like the GNT Road, steel handrails that have been removed or bent out of shape are being set right and re-installed. Those who dig footpaths should ensure that the disturbances are minimal and the stones are not damaged,” said a Highways official.

“The works are being carried out along the GST Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Poonamallee High Road, Taramani-Perungudi Road and southern sector of the Inner Ring Road. We will soon repair pedestrian facilities along interior roads, including Pammal Road, Mudichur Road, Tambaram-Velachery Road and MMS Road,” the official said.

One can see repaired footpaths in Vadapalani, and near Arumbakkam metro station, Kilpauk metro station, KMC Hospital, Ripon Building, and the dargah opposite LIC on Mount Road.

In places where portions of footpaths are missing, they are being freshly laid. A portion of Jawaharlal Nehru Salai near Ashok pillar is one such point.

“There are locations where storm-water drains have been completed. The combined cost of repairs and construction of new drains is ₹3.5 crore,” said another official.

D. Vijayakumar, a resident of Ashok Nagar, said the repairs being done to footpaths were a welcome sign.