T.N. Assembly election: Villivakkam, a densely-populated urban area faces civic gaps despite infrastructure push

Villivakkam faces civic challenges despite infrastructure improvements, with residents demanding better healthcare, transport, and green spaces ahead of elections.

Villivakkam, a prominent urban constituency in the city, presents a mix of long-established, densely-populated low-income residential areas, an industrial cluster, and rapidly expanding middle-class areas, some of which have given way to apartment complexes in recent years.

Home to a diverse electorate, comprising working-class sections, government employees, and small business owners, the constituency reflects Chennai’s evolving socio-economic landscape. It has retained its distinct character, with a significant working-class population shaping its identity. Once the largest constituency in the city, Villivakkam has shrunk in size as many constituencies, including Ambattur, Kolathur, Madhavaram, Maduravoyal, and Virugambakkam, were carved out of it following the delimitation process.

Villivakkam has traditionally witnessed a strong presence of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), and the parties have won the Assembly election seven times since 1977.

In the past five years, the constituency has undergone various improvements in terms of addressing key civic challenges of flooding, better healthcare facilities, and creation of new infrastructure facilities such as community halls and storm-water drains. However, residents flag some basic issues remain unresolved. Besides Villivakkam and Ayanavaram, parts of Anna Nagar Western Extension fall within this constituency. The long-neglected Villivakkam lake has undergone restoration but is yet to be opened to the public.

Eugin J.B. of Villivakkam said many evicted residents of areas, including those from Bharathi Nagar, Sathya Nagar, and Malligai Cheri near MTH Road, were yet to be provided with house-site patta documents. While pointing out that the constituency has many community halls and a renovated playground in Agathiyar Nagar, he said there was scope for improvement and a 24-hour government hospital would be a welcome facility.

Traffic congestion, lack of green spaces, gyms, and playgrounds, the need for improved transport connectivity, and the replacement of ageing sewer network continue to dominate public discourse, along with the rising cost of essential goods. While residents have welcomed the ongoing work to expand Metro Rail connectivity through the Phase II Project, they pointed out that the construction had disrupted existing public transport systems and caused significant inconvenience.