Electric poles in the middle of Medavakkam Main Road (covering Vanuvampet, Ullagaram and Madipakkam) are posing a threat to the safety of motorists. Four-lane-widening work is under way on the stretch. Work on a few sections of the road is completed and in progress in the remaining sections. State Highways officials say pending widening-work will be taken after other government departments completes the work on provision of utility services on the stretch.
Motorists complain that though there is enough space on the road, steps have not been taken to relocate the electric posts. “Risk of electrocution is high if vehicles hit the posts accidentally and it is more during monsoon and at night,” says a motorist.
As the road is wide, a few motorcyclists tend to speed and overtake. As a result, the risk of hitting the lamp posts is high. Besides, at a few sections of the road, vehicles are parked near the lamp posts, forcing motorists to negotiate a narrow space. Pedestrians have no option but to walk in the middle of the carriageway.
“Officials must take steps to relocate the lamp posts to the sides of the road. Now, there is hardly any space for pedestrians,” says R. Vidya, a resident of Nanganallur.