Residents and traffic police have raised concerns over damaged roads and potholes across Chennai, warning of potential fall hazards and accidents as the northeast monsoon has set over the State.
Potholes are among the major concerns, particularly during the monsoon season as they become stagnant pools of water where the depth is not perceivable, thus causing road accidents, said a senior officer of the Chennai traffic police.
There is continuous coordination with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Highways Department to expedite road cut permissions through an online and WhatsApp system for Bus Route and Interior Route Roads, yet challenges persist, he added. The police is looking to enhance coordination gaps, he said.
According to the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), a total of 67,213 road accidents were reported in 2023, of which 171 were caused by bad roads — 54 persons were killed, 81 grievously injured in 74 accidents, and 68 persons sustained minor injuries in 40 accidents. Further, 242 accidents were attributed to bad weather, including 24 deaths and 160 persons injured in the same year.
Over 16,000 accidents
