Residents of Vinobaji Nagar in Cheran Maa Nagar, supported by CPI members, staged a significant protest on Thursday morning to demand immediate repairs to severely damaged roads in their area. The demonstration targeted the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, urging officials to address what protesters call negligence in road restoration after multiple utility projects.
Protest Highlights Safety Concerns
Nearly 100 people from surrounding areas participated in the protest, expressing frustration over the dangerous condition of the main road connecting Coimbatore Hope College to Cheran Maa Nagar. This vital alternative route used by commuters traveling between Sathy Road and Avinashi Road has become increasingly hazardous due to incomplete restoration after underground drainage work.
N Natarajan, a CPI functionary from Vinobaji Nagar, explained the recurring nature of the problem: "Despite repeated petitions and representations to restore the road, no action has been taken by the corporation. The road was dug up for a water supply pipeline installation, then for UGD work, and now for a gas pipeline."
Daily Hazards for Commuters
Protesters highlighted that frequent accidents occur on the Cheran Maa Nagar road due to its deteriorated condition. The situation becomes particularly dangerous during rainy seasons when potholes fill with water, making them invisible to motorists. During dry periods, excessive dust creates additional problems for residents and commuters alike.
Natarajan emphasized the traffic disruption potential: "One small accident would disrupt the entire vehicle movement for at least an hour." The protestors noted that several other roads in the area have also been damaged, compounding transportation problems throughout the neighborhood.
Official Response and Accountability
East Zone chairwoman Ilakummi Izhamselvi acknowledged the issue, stating that underground drainage work continues in some parts of the area. She pointed to contractor delays as the primary cause of the road restoration backlog.
Ilakummi Izhamselvi confirmed: "There is a huge lag in the road restoration work from the contractor's side. We have emphasized initiating action against the contractor for the delay, and we expect the commissioner to either issue a notice or impose a penalty." She assured residents that immediate action to restore the road would be taken while accountability measures against the contractor proceed.
The protest represents growing citizen frustration with repeated infrastructure disruptions without proper restoration, highlighting the need for better coordination between utility projects and road maintenance in Coimbatore.
