Damaged road makes daily commute torturous in Vellaikoil

Residents of Vellakoil, a small fishing village under Manikkapangu panchayat in Mayiladuthurai district, have urged the authorities to relay the 1-km stretch connecting their village to the Tharangambadi-Chinnagudi main road.

The connecting road, which begins at the main road and ends at the community hall in Vellakoil, serves around 150 families. Residents said the stretch had not been relaid since the 2004 tsunami and had deteriorated over the years, making commuting difficult, especially for schoolchildren, elderly persons, and fish sellers.

Absence of street lights along the stretch poses a safety hazard at night. “The road is uneven, with potholes and loose stones. Two-wheelers struggle to pass, and it becomes dangerous after dark,” said K. Manikandan, a resident. Machavalli added that lack of proper access affects even the movement of essential services.

The village has an anganwadi sub-centre and around 25 schoolchildren commute daily on the bad road.

Residents have sought a separate ration shop for Vellakoil, pointing out that they had to travel nearly 2 km to Perumal Pettai to collect their rations.

When contacted, an official from the Rural Development department said that they would look into the issue.