Exasperated with potholes, Mannargudi residents seek urgent repair to roads

Arterial roads and residential streets across Mannargudi Municipality in Tiruvarur district have deteriorated sharply, posing serious safety risks to commuters. Deep potholes and damaged stretches, worsened by ongoing underground sewerage works, have triggered growing public concern and frequent accidents.

The poor condition of roads is largely attributed to delays in completing the sewerage project. R.G. Kumar, AIADMK town secretary, said prolonged excavation and lack of coordination had left roads unusable for months. “Stretches are dug up and left unattended. The work must be expedited to reduce public hardship,” he said.

Political voices have raised concerns over what they describe as administrative apathy. CPI Mannargudi union secretary Durai Arul Rajan told The Hindu that nearly all the 32 wards were affected. “Even basic patchwork is not being carried out. During the monsoon, water-filled potholes become invisible, leading to frequent accidents,” he said.

The poor road conditions have hit tourism. Mannargudi is a key transit point for pilgrims travelling to the Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Velankanni, besides being home to several heritage sites. Residents say the sewerage work should have been completed well before the monsoon.

Responding to the concerns, a senior municipal official said the sewerage project was a large-scale exercise and temporary disruption was unavoidable. “Permanent road restoration can only be taken up after completion of underground work. However, patchwork will be carried out once the rains subside,” the official said.