Following the impact of Cyclone Fengal, the Highways Department has commenced repairs to address potholes and damaged patches on roads across Chennai and its suburbs. Waterlogging and heavy vehicle movement caused significant damage to road surfaces in many areas.
Temporary repairs are being carried out using materials like cold mix and wet mix macadam to ensure motorist safety. Larger patches are being addressed with a mix of blue metal and quarry fine material. These repairs are interim measures, with permanent restoration planned after the Northeast Monsoon concludes.
Key roads under repair include Anna Salai, Poonamallee High Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Velachery-Tambaram Road, MGR Salai, Mudichur Road, Madhavaram-Redhills Road, and Tiruvottiyur-Ponneri-Pancheti Road. Additionally, road cuts made to alleviate waterlogging from nearby residential areas have been fixed.
Officials stated that while many roads remained unaffected due to the presence of drainage systems, repair works on affected stretches are expected to be completed within two days. Waterlogged areas have been pumped dry in over 100 locations, and pumps will remain stationed to manage any further rain-induced flooding.
Residents have welcomed the repairs, especially in areas like Velachery, where navigating water-covered potholes posed challenges for two-wheeler riders. Ensuring road safety and smooth traffic flow remains the primary focus of the ongoing efforts.