Stormwater drain construction and uninterrupted two-way traffic have left Mariappan Kovil Street, a three-metre-wide lane between Aminjikarai and Koyambedu, severely congested and risky for motorists and pedestrians for over a month.
The narrow stretch, located amid a busy commercial area in Arumbakkam, continues to handle traffic from both directions despite space shrinking to less than a metre at several points due to ongoing works. The two-way movement could not be avoided as the road connects key commercial establishments, and is frequently used by shopkeepers and workers, a Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) official said.
Residents and vendors said the road had been repeatedly dug up by multiple departments over the past 14 months, leaving it damaged and unsafe.
“The stormwater drain work has been going on for one month. Many motorists trip as the space is very narrow for a two-way, barely three feet wide. Construction materials are placed in this stretch also. It is risky as there are steel bars uncovered on the other side. A small slip could cost a life,” said a vendor.
Another worker at a tea shop said, “A few days ago, a motorist dropped his mobile phone into a trench where work is ongoing. He had to climb down to retrieve it with the help of workers at the site. This is unsafe. Barricades are at times removed and at other times placed only in a few spots. In several stretches, where the drains have been partially constructed, manholes remain uncovered. Many find it difficult to access the Mariamman Temple. The road was closed for a day but was reopened the next day following requests from locals.”
