Motorists lament poor condition of OMR-ECR link road, call for repairs

Motorists frustrated with poor condition of Kalaignar Karunanidhi Salai, seeking repairs for safety and smoother travel.

Motorists have been complaining of the poor condition of Kalaignar Karunanidhi Salai, which connects Rajiv Gandhi Salai, also known as Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), with the ECR.

The surface of several stretches on this road is damaged, with stones 2-3 inches in size found everywhere. “A lot of dust causes poor visibility. At night, it is even more difficult to travel. The alternative route provided via internal roads is confusing,” Velu, a resident of Sholinganallur, said.

Cab driver Narayanamoorthy said that after the Chennai Metro Rail work began on the road, various traffic changes were introduced, causing more problems to motorists. “We cannot drive safely here. It is far more damaged than the OMR, which is already in a bad shape. In the mornings, people take a detour via this road to bypass OMR while heading to Village Street and various schools in Sholinganallur. With schools set to reopen, we hope that repairs would be taken up on a war-footing.”

R. Anandhan, a resident of PTC Quarters said that along with Metro Rail work, Metrowater work too seems to be under way. “The road has also sunk in several places due to the drain work. Though motorists have been complaining about its poor condition, nobody seems to be bothered about it. Officials of the TNRDC [Tamil Nadu Road Development Company] say repairs can be taken up only after the work is completed. Two-wheeler riders skid on this link road. Temporary repairs must be taken up,” he said.

Chennai Metro Rail sou rces said they had taken up repair work several times to ensure smooth traffic. “We have re-laid the road twice. The sinking of the road was not due to our work,” an official said.