Bitumen Cost Surges Stall Relaying of Damaged Roads in Anna Nagar and Chennai

High bitumen prices and delays by the Public Works Department (PWD) in publishing a revised schedule of rates have stalled tenders for relaying at least 2,000 damaged roads across Chennai, including key stretches in Anna Nagar, ahead of the upcoming Northeast monsoon. DMK councillor T.V. Shemmozhi noted that several roads in Anna Nagar, including Twenty First Main Road, are severely damaged and require immediate relaying during the current dry period.

Similar complaints have emerged from residents and councillors in other parts of the city. AIADMK councillor J. John reported damaged stretches in Korattur, while MDMK councillor S. Jeevan highlighted damaged roads across North Chennai. In T. Nagar, resident V.S. Jayaraman pointed out that heavily used commercial and residential stretches like Rameswaram Road, Pinjala Subramaniam Street, and Motilal Street need urgent maintenance before the monsoon sets in.

According to data released online by the State government, the schedule of rates was last published with effect from July 22, 2025. Since then, market rates for bitumen have skyrocketed. As of August 1, 2026, the actual price for Viscosity Grade 30 (VO 30) bitumen reached ₹68,562 per tonne, compared to the 2025-2026 schedule rate of ₹47,852 per tonne excluding GST.

Similarly, the market rate for Viscosity Grade 40 (VO 40) bitumen rose to ₹74,792 per tonne as of August 1, 2026, compared to the previous schedule rate of ₹50,342 per tonne excluding GST. Councillors emphasized that local civic bodies, including the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), cannot begin road relaying work until the revised schedule of rates is officially published.

Addressing the delays, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran stated that many road issues stem from developmental cuts made for water supply and sewer works. He explained that tenders are being called and contracts finalized, with restoration work scheduled as soon as CMWSSB and TANGEDCO hand over the roads.

Sameeran added that the GCC plans to distribute ₹1 crore to ₹1.35 crore per zone for temporary patch works and pothole restoration during the monsoon period. Additionally, the civic body expects to receive ₹200 crore to ₹250 crore in grants from various schemes for road relaying following the Demand for Grants in the Assembly.