Madurai: With the assembly election concluded and the model code of conduct lifted a week ago, the Madurai corporation has accelerated several ongoing projects that had slowed down over the past two months. Work on upcoming projects has also commenced. Heavy rainfall in the past week led to stagnant floodwater damaging many city roads. Officials stated that the primary focus is on repairing these roads, and patchwork has already begun.
Residents Demand Proper Road Relaying
Krishnamurthy, a resident of SS Colony, reported that water reached up to his knees due to flooding. "After the water dried, we continued to suffer from potholed roads," he said, adding that many roads need to be relaid rather than merely patching up potholes. Residents have expressed frustration over temporary fixes that fail to address underlying damage.
Stormwater Drain Clearance Fast-Tracked
Another ongoing project involves identifying and clearing blockages in stormwater drains in low-lying areas. A senior corporation official explained, "Work was stopped midway around the election period, during which time the city was hit by rain. We have fast-tracked the work since then to prevent issues with flooded roads during the monsoon season." The corporation aims to mitigate waterlogging by ensuring drains are free of debris.
Removal of Traffic-Disrupting Arches
Major projects also include the removal of arches around the city that cause traffic disruptions. "A tender has been floated for removal of the KK Nagar arch, and work will begin soon. The other arches will also be removed by the end of June," the official added. All workers on site will be fully equipped with safety gear to prevent any untoward incident, as occurred when the Mattuthavani arch was removed. The integrity of each arch will be tested to ensure minimal damage to the road during removal.
Upgrading Underground Drainage System
Madurai corporation is collaborating with the Public Works Department (PWD) to upgrade the underground drainage (UGD) system. A PWD official noted that this is a long-term project, with all work expected to be completed by 2027. The upgrade aims to improve sanitation and reduce waterlogging in the city.
Vehicle Monitoring System Launched
The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has launched a centralised Vehicle Monitoring System to monitor and efficiently direct corporation vehicles, including garbage trucks and repair vehicles. Nandakishore of ICCC stated that the system uses GPS and other sensors to constantly report live location and status updates on the vehicles. "This will enable us to detect longer-than-usual stoppages and manage the service and repair of corporation vehicles from a centralised monitoring point," he explained. The system is expected to enhance operational efficiency and accountability.
