Roads turn into traps for motorists in Salem city

Residents of Salem city demanded that the State Highways Department and the Salem Corporation immediately repair the potholes on roads to prevent accidents.

The northeast monsoon has set in over the State, and it has been pouring in Salem district over the past three days, especially at night.

The rain has exacerbated the problem of potholes on thoroughfares like Sarada College Road, Yercaud Main Road, Meyyanur Main Road, Ramakrishna Road, and Omalur Main Road, with motorists finding it tough to drive and ride during rain.

Moreover, the corporation had dug up several locations along the Sarada College Road to repair damaged drinking water pipelines, but failed to close the pits, creating safety hazards right on the road.

S. Saravanan, a resident of Periya Pudur near Sarada College Road, said the corporation had dug up the road at three places: opposite a mall near Alagapuram police station, near Pitchards Road, and near the Amma canteen in Hasthampatti. During rain, these pits fill with water and pose a threat to two-wheeler riders.

What’s more, there is a pothole right in the middle of the road at the U-turn spot near the Amma canteen, creating a trap for unsuspecting motorists. “These potholes should be closed immediately to prevent accidents,” he added.

M. Prakash, a resident of Pallapatti, said the Meyyanur Main Road is damaged and narrow at many places. Two-wheeler riders are unable to notice these potholes and lose their balance while passing over them. As the Deepavali is nearing and the monsoon rain has begun, these potholes should either be closed or the damaged road be relaid on a war-footing, he added.

When contacted, Salem Corporation and the State Highway Department officials promised to look into the issue.