Motorists agony prolongs as link road project drags on in Tiruchi.

Poor planning and execution continue to dog the Anna Nagar Link Road project in the city, more than five years since it took off.

The road, meant to be a crucial link between Anna Nagar Main Road and the Lawsons Road near the MGR Statue in Cantonment in the city, remains unfinished and continues to drag on as the Corporation has been forced to take up additional works apparently due to the design changes incorporated midway through the project. The original location of bridge was found unsuitable and the structure was built slightly upstream subsequently.

The sense of relief among motorists when the road was opened for traffic on trial basis in July was short-lived as the Corporation soon discovered that the gradient from the new bridge was too steep and retaining walls had to be constructed along the Anna Nagar Main Road. Consequently, the Anna Nagar Main Road was closed and a road diversion was enforced through the adjoining by-lanes.

The Corporation has now taken up the additional work at a cost of about Rs.75 lakhs. Motorists and locals complain the closure of the Anna Nagar Main Road and the poor condition of the diversion roads have put them into much hardship. The short stretch of approach road from Anna Nagar Main Road to the new bridge has not been blacktopped yet and motorists are forced to make their way through slippery ground with sharp stones strewn around.


THE HINDU