Wed Jul 23 19:33:33 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Residents of several localities along the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai, including Neelankarai and Kottivakkam, are facing significant disruptions and safety hazards due to ongoing civic works. Roads have been dug up for sewer line installation and rainwater harvesting, but the excavated earth has been left haphazardly, spreading onto the roads. This has created dangerous conditions for two-wheeler riders, caused cars and autorickshaws to get stuck, and made booking transportation difficult due to drivers refusing to navigate the damaged lanes. Additionally, streetlights have been removed in some areas, exacerbating the danger at night. The work is expected to continue for some time, with residents facing potential flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.

**News Article:**

**ECR Residents Stranded and Stricken by Disrupted Roads Amidst Civic Projects**

**CHENNAI, July 24, 2025** – Residents along the East Coast Road (ECR) are expressing growing frustration and concern over hazardous road conditions resulting from ongoing civic projects. Localities including Neelankarai and Kottivakkam are particularly affected, with dug-up roads and loose earth creating significant challenges for commuters and residents alike.

Civic works for sewer line installation and the construction of rainwater harvesting structures have left piles of earth along the roadside, which has since spread across the lanes due to weather conditions. Residents report frequent accidents, particularly involving two-wheelers, and vehicles becoming stuck in the mud and sand.

“I saw a family of three fall off their bike due to a hole on the road. These roads have become too dangerous,” said Kalidas, a resident of Palavakkam. The conditions have also made it difficult to book auto-rickshaws and cabs, with drivers reluctant to risk damage to their vehicles. “The streets look terrible and if my wheels get stuck in the holes or the mud, it will take a lot of effort to extricate them,” stated Vijay, an auto-rickshaw driver.

The situation is further compounded by the removal of streetlights in some areas, creating dangerous conditions at night. Gokulnath Natesan, an organic farmer in Kottivakkam, highlighted the increased risk of accidents: “All of us in our family have met with accidents over the last 7-8 months. My cousin broke his tooth.”

While residents acknowledge the long-term benefits of the projects, particularly regarding flood prevention during the monsoon season, the lack of a clear timeline for completion and road repairs is causing distress.

M. Sivakumar, former president of the Kapaleeswarar Nagar Residents Welfare Association in Neelankarai, noted that although sewer lines have been laid and tested, the treatment plant is not expected to be operational until next year. “The roads are not likely to be re-laid any sooner and we will have to bear with this for some more time. Travelling on these streets feels like taking a horse ride.”

Residents are urging authorities to expedite the road repair process and implement temporary measures to improve safety and accessibility until the projects are completed.

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