Chennai's Anna Nagar Second Avenue Severely Disrupted by Ongoing Stormwater Drain Construction
The 3km-long Anna Nagar second avenue, a prime commercial hub in Chennai, is currently in a state of severe disarray, causing significant inconvenience to daily commuters and local businesses. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) initiated a major infrastructure project last month, digging up the entire stretch from Roundtana to Thirumangalam to construct new stormwater drains (SWDs). This essential work, however, has left the area in shambles with minimal visible progress during daylight hours.
Pedestrian Hazards and Business Losses Mount
Pedestrians are struggling to navigate the torn-up pavements, forced to use rickety boards that bridge the carriageway and roadside shops. Several sections lack proper barricades, exposing dangerous rods and creating serious safety risks. The situation is particularly dire for local businesses that rely on foot traffic.
J Menaka, an employee at a restaurant along the affected stretch, expressed frustration over the prolonged disruption. "They should have closed the pits within a week, but it's been a full month with no significant progress. We were forced to close our shop for four days due to the construction work and received no compensation whatsoever. Even after reopening, our sales have dropped dramatically because we cannot set up tables and chairs in front of our establishment."
Traffic Chaos During Peak Hours
The avenue becomes severely congested during peak hours as dug-up pavements force vehicles to park directly in the carriageway, slowing traffic to a crawl. This stretch serves as a critical transportation corridor with key bus stops including Roundtana, Blue Star, and 12th Main Road, alongside important metro stations such as Anna Nagar East, Tower Park, and Thirumangalam.
S Manu, who works with a security firm in the area, highlighted the project's impact on daily commuters. "This construction poses a major obstruction for both motorists and pedestrians. Those who rely on buses don't even have proper waiting sheds anymore."
Regular public transportation user S Jayanthi added, "Parts of the road now completely lack bus stops and basic facilities like benches that regular travelers depend on."
Official Response and Project Timeline
S Ashok, assistant corporation engineer with GCC, provided official clarification about the project timeline. "The stormwater drain construction has been ongoing since the end of January and will continue through July. Work is actually happening 24/7 and is designed to address chronic flooding issues in these parts of Anna Nagar. Police authorities only permit major excavation work overnight to prevent daytime traffic jams. Despite current appearances, we do not anticipate any delays in project completion."
The corporation maintains that the temporary disruption will yield long-term benefits through improved drainage infrastructure. However, residents and business owners continue to bear the brunt of the construction chaos, with pedestrian safety compromised and commercial activities significantly hampered along what was once a thriving commercial corridor.
