According to SCRB, of the 67,213 road accidents reported in 2023, 171 were caused by bad roads.
| Photo Credit: R. Ravindran
Residents and traffic police have raised concerns over damaged roads and potholes across Chennai, warning of potential fall hazards and accidents as the northeast monsoon has set over the State.
Potholes are among the major concerns, particularly during the monsoon season as they become stagnant pools of water where the depth is not perceivable, thus causing road accidents, said a senior officer of the Chennai traffic police.
There is continuous coordination with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Highways Department to expedite road cut permissions through an online and WhatsApp system for Bus Route and Interior Route Roads, yet challenges persist, he added. The police is looking to enhance coordination gaps, he said.
According to the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), a total of 67,213 road accidents were reported in 2023, of which 171 were caused by bad roads — 54 persons were killed, 81 grievously injured in 74 accidents, and 68 persons sustained minor injuries in 40 accidents. Further, 242 accidents were attributed to bad weather, including 24 deaths and 160 persons injured in the same year.
Over 16,000 accidents
SCRB data up to March 2024 revealed 16,762 accidents, including four accidents due to bad roads which killed six persons. One person was grievously injured and 10 sustained minor injuries due to bad roads. Further, bad weather caused one accident, killing one person during the same period.
S. Manjula, a resident near Velachery, said the silt catch pits were located on the carrriageway on Cart Track Road in Kuilkuppam, Velachery, instead of along the roadside near the pavements.
“The portions around manholes, between lanes, and near turning points are damaged. This is problematic for motorists, as they cannot judge which stretch is uneven or where potholes have formed during waterlogging in heavy rain. Students and the elderly are most at risk,” she said.
Raghukumar C. of the Community Welfare Brigade said Palani Aandavar Koil Street near Vivekananda Vidhyalaya in Perambur, continues to face neglect as it lies on the boundary of two zones. He said the stretch had been temporarily repaired with gravel and wet mix and also wondered how long the work would hold.
An official said that the issue of bad roads is being monitored by the Chennai Corporation and that disruptions due to development works, particularly related to the Chennai Metro Rail project and the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board, are being addressed. “Road cuts have become inevitable, but, restorations are being carried out, and any complaints received are being attended to. Owing to the monsoon, road cuts were halted from September. However, if problems persist, the matter will be reviewed and corrective measures will be taken,” he added.
Published – October 23, 2025 05:39 am IST
