For the past five months, the biggest obstacle at Yanaikkal junction in Madurai has not been traffic volume or reckless motorists. It has been a crater nearly five metres wide on one of the city's busiest roads across the Vaigai. The damaged stretch forces vehicles to slow down and weave around it to avoid damage.
Impact on Commuters
At the junction, vehicles coming from Simmakkal and taking a left turn onto the Yanaikkal bridge to cross the Vaigai have to deal with a broken patch of road right in the middle of the junction. A Abraham, a regular commuter on that road, said, "The rest of the Simmakkal road is relatively good, easing traffic flow. The pothole at the turning surprises new commuters, leading to sudden deviations. Especially during peak hours, this can be a serious issue for other vehicles. The pothole also poses an additional risk for vehicles at night or during rainy days."
Health Concerns for Locals
A shopowner at the junction noted that the pothole raises a lot of dust, particularly during peak hours. "Thousands of vehicles use this stretch daily, and the dust raised by vehicles leads to coughing and breathing issues for the elderly and children," he said. The situation has become a health hazard for nearby residents and shopkeepers.
Corporation's Response
A senior corporation official acknowledged the difficulty in repairing the pothole due to the sheer volume of vehicles on that busy stretch. "Doing patchwork at the junction will be difficult owing to the heavy traffic. We are studying ways to repair the potholes in the area," the official said. The corporation is exploring alternatives to minimize disruption while addressing the road damage.
In the meantime, commuters are advised to exercise caution while navigating the Yanaikkal junction, especially during peak hours and adverse weather conditions. The pothole remains a significant challenge for both daily travelers and local authorities.
