Residents complain about sinking manholes that pose a hazard to motorists along GCC roads

Residents have complained that manholes in various roads of the city have been damaged owing to frequent movement of heavy vehicles carrying materials to construction sites meant for civic infrastructure development projects in the city. 

While sinking manholes caused by excessive loads of traffic in city roads have posed a hazard to motorists, civic agencies including Chennai Corporation and Metrowater have reportedly delayed reconstruction.

Egmore resident A.Raja said Pantheon Road was unsafe for motorists as very heavy vehicles carrying construction material have damaged manholes owing to excessive weight. “The manhole at the junction of Pantheon Road and Casa Major Road has been damaged. After several days of complaining by residents, they have started work. But the work is delayed. The barricade by the police is posing another hazard. It is a school zone,” said Mr.Raja.

Ward 61 councillor Fathima Muzaffer said the residents of Langs Garden Road and various interior roads have complained about sinking manholes and an increase in accident risk for motorists. 

“Last Sunday, a teacher of a special school was thrown off the motorcycle after her husband who was riding the vehicle near Doveton failed to watch out for the danger. She was injured, and has been bedridden with a fracture. There is no replacement for her at the special school. The special children do not have a teacher for a few days now,” she said.

“Our manholes are dangerous. The Corporation relays roads at a certain height, while manholes are low. The ring that supports the cover crumbles after a heavy vehicle moves with excessive weight. There is no technology to fix the sinking manholes. Our motorists are exposed to a lot of danger,” Ms. Muzaffer added.

Residents of areas such as Kuberan Nagar Extension Twelfth Street, Madipakkam said new manholes have also been damaged.  

Chennai Corporation officials said barricades have been erected by various agencies to prevent accidents near sinking manholes on bus route roads and the work on restoration of damaged manholes near construction sites along the Cooum River have started.