Encroachments and delayed drain works shrink 40 Feet Road near Avadi to 15 feet
The 1.5-kilometre-long 40 Feet Road near Avadi has shrunk to just 15 feet wide due to rampant encroachments and slow-moving stormwater drain construction, causing severe disruptions for local residents and motorists. The road, which links areas near Ivan Stedford Hospital and Cholambedu, serves as a crucial route for commuters travelling between Thirumullaivoyal and Cholambedu.
The stretch forms the boundary between the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Avadi Corporation limits. Thousands of vehicles use the road daily to bypass the heavy traffic on the busy Avadi-Redhills Road.
According to local residents, approximately 50 encroachments have occupied a significant portion of the road over the years. These structures include residential buildings, roadside shops, and mobile eateries.
The narrowing of the road has been further worsened by the construction of stormwater drains on both sides of the stretch. Last year, the Avadi Corporation began drain works on Shanthi Street and Natesan Street. A few months ago, the GCC’s Ambattur Zone also floated a tender worth Rs 50 lakh for stormwater drain construction in areas such as Govindarajulu Street, Saraswathy Nagar, and Pandurangan Street. However, residents reported that these projects have been progressing at a very slow pace.
The poor condition of the road has prevented heavy vehicles, including private water tankers, from entering the locality. K Murali Krishan, a member of the SMART association in Avadi, said that more than 5,000 residents in the area depend on private water tankers because there is no piped drinking water supply. Due to the narrow road, residents now receive water only late at night or early in the morning.
In response to the complaints, a senior Avadi Corporation official stated that the locality would be inspected. The official added that contractors would be penalised if the stormwater drain work is found to be stalled, and action would be taken against encroachments and illegal roadside vendors.
