Residents of K. Sathanur and nearby areas squatting on the road in protest against the delay in completing the underground drainage work, near Udayanpatti level crossing in Tiruchi on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Residents of K. Sathanur and nearby areas staged a road blockade near the Udayanpatti railway gate on Saturday, demanding the completion of the long-delayed underground drainage (UGD) project on the K. Sathanur-Udayanpatti Road. The police detained 19 protesters who refused to disperse.
Work on the UGD project, covering a 2-km stretch along the arterial K. Sathanur-Udayanpatti Road under Wards 63 and 64 of the Tiruchi Corporation, has been going on for over 20 months. Residents voiced frustration over the project’s impact on daily life and transportation.
“The incomplete project has left the road in a deplorable condition, with potholes and uneven surface. The situation worsens during the rain, with slushy, waterlogged roads posing risks to commuters,” said A. Manoj Kumar, a resident and protester.
Frequent accidents, vehicle damage, and the absence of reliable transportation had exacerbated residents’ concerns. “Driving on this stretch feels like an adventure. Even accessing medical services or attending to emergencies has become a significant challenge,” Mr. Manoj added.
Adding to their woes, government bus services connecting K. Sathanur to Vayalur and Chathiram have been suspended on this route for nearly two years, forcing residents to rely on private transportation.
On Saturday, over 150 residents gathered near the Udayanpatti Railway Gate and blocked traffic on the Pillaiyar Koil-Akil Olaiyur Road demanding immediate intervention.
Responding to the protest, a senior official from the Tiruchi Corporation said: “We have planned to complete the work and road repair by February.”
Published – December 21, 2024 08:30 pm IST