Travel between Porur and Arcot Road is frustrating for commuters

Travel between Porur and Arcot Road is frustrating for commuters

For commuters residing between Porur and Arcot Road, a frustrating ride through poorly re-laid roads, drastically shrunk road space and traffic congestion has turned nightmarish ever since Metro Rail Phase II construction started in these areas.

Phase II started two years ago. It is being implemented at a cost of ₹61,843 crore with the objective of easing mobility and offering people a better mass rapid transit system. Commuters say that after the construction began, they spend an enormous amount of time on the road because of severe congestion. What makes the travel worse is the journey through potholed stretches at many places.

In the 116-km Phase II, the first two stretches that are scheduled to be opened in 2025 are between Poonmallee and Porur and between Porur and Power House. But the work on the Porur-Power House stretch has been plagued by delays. It is likely to open only by mid-2026. Commuters have to endure the congestion longer, if these issues are not fixed.

R. Muralikrishnan, 55, a working professional from Valasaravakkam, says a ride from his home to his workplace on Anna Salai would earlier take 30 minutes at non-peak hours. But it now requires one hour and 15 minutes.

“Many of the stretches, re-laid by the contractor, are so bad that there are numerous potholes everywhere after one hour of heavy rain. When we are putting up with the congestion, all we expect is that the roads are re-laid well to last for some time,” he adds.

Mr. Muralikrishnan says that before any construction starts and diversions are in place, it is important to check the condition of the interior roads because most of the vehicles are forced to take a detour.

While traffic is just one problem, business has been tough for autorickshaw drivers owing to diversions. K. Prabhu, an autorickshaw driver, has to take longer routes as Arcot Road, from Virugambakkam to Power House, is now a one-way stretch. “If I have to go to Porur from here [Vadapalani Metro Station], I have to go through 100-Feet Road and K.K. Nagar. The route is longer,” he says. However, when he puts up the fare, passengers don’t always agree. “Many customers book an autorickshaw on Ola or Uber,” Mr. Prabhu says.