NHAI officials charged Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) of not maintaining the road, situated within its limits, leading to protests by local residents. As per the agreement, the NHAI has to carry out the maintenance by themselves or remit Rs 21 crore to the State government for the maintenance of the stretch from Koyembedu to Maduravoyal. 

“When Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway project was undertaken about 10 years ago, the officials constructed as many as 100 pillars in the stretch. However, as the project is yet to take off, motorists are at the receiving end,” said a senior state highway engineer seeking anonymity. “Both state National Highway authorities have left the stretch unattended for many years,” the official added. 

According to motorists, the poor condition of the road often leads to severe traffic jam on the road that carries a large volume of vehicles including government mofussil and omni buses. 

“Moreover, heavy spell of rain in November damaged some portions of the road,” complained B Varadharajan, president of Maduravoyal Residents Welfare Association. “The NHAI is in the process of floating tenders for improvements of the Koyembedu to Maduravoyal section. We may expedite the work to avoid further public criticism,” said an NHAI official.