Chennai: Rampant encroachments and slow progress of ongoing civic works have narrowed the 1.5-km 40 Feet Road near Avadi to 15 feet. This has caused hardships for motorists and residents.The road — linking areas near Ivan Stedford Hospital and Cholambedu — is an important route for commuters travelling between Thirumullaivoyal and Cholambedu. It forms the boundary between Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Avadi corporation limits; thousands of vehicles use the stretch every day to avoid traffic on the busy Avadi-Redhills Road.According to residents, around 50 encroachments — by residential buildings, roadside shops, mobile eateries and other structures — have occupied a significant portion of the road over the years. The situation has worsened due to the construction of stormwater drains (SWD) on both sides of the road. Last year, Avadi corporation began work on Shanthi Street and Natesan Street. A few months ago, GCC’s Ambattur Zone also floated a tender worth ₹50 lakh for SWD construction in areas such as Govindarajulu Street, Saraswathy Nagar and Pandurangan Street. However, residents say the works have been progressing at a slow pace.K Murali Krishan, a member of the SMART association in Avadi, said the poor road conditions discourage water tankers and other heavy vehicles from entering the area. “More than 5,000 residents depend on private water tankers as there is no piped drinking water supply. Residents receive water only late at night or early in the morning,” he said.When contacted, a senior Avadi corporation official said the locality would be inspected. “Contractors will be penalised if SWD work is found to be stalled and that action would be taken against encroachments and illegal roadside vendors,” he added.
