Mon Dec 08 18:15:37 UTC 2025: Summary:

Following Cyclone Ditwah, Chennai’s Highways Department is working to repair significant pothole damage on 109 km of its 654 km road network. So far, 89 km have been repaired, with challenges including waterlogging and a lack of adequate storm-water drains. Residents are calling for more comprehensive drainage solutions and proactive repairs, recognizing the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events due to global warming. Contractors emphasize the necessity of immediate repairs post-rain to maintain road usability.

News Article:

Chennai Roads Under Repair After Cyclone Ditwah Damage

CHENNAI, INDIA – Dec. 8, 2025 – Chennai’s Highways Department is racing to repair roads damaged during Cyclone Ditwah. Potholes have plagued 109 km of the city’s 654 km road network under the department’s control.

“We’ve been working at night and have already repaired 89 km,” said a source within the Highways Department. However, waterlogging remains a persistent challenge, exacerbated by a lack of adequate storm-water drainage in some areas. Problem locations include stretches near the Greater Chennai Corporation Headquarters and key roads in Porur and Valasaravakkam.

Residents like T. Gunaseelan of Ambattur are urging the department to address the root cause of the problem: insufficient drainage. “They should ensure that waterlogging does not happen on major roads,” Gunaseelan stated, highlighting the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events due to global warming.

An engineer from the department explained they had installed motor pumps in many places. The gradient of interior roads flow to roads under the department’s control and often contribute to waterlogging.

A contractor involved in the repair efforts noted that while potholes are unavoidable in a city with regular monsoons, timely repairs are crucial. “We only have to be prepared to take up repairs the moment rain stops,” the contractor emphasized.

The Highways Department aims to restore the riding surface on the affected roads as quickly as possible to minimize disruption to traffic flow.

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