COIMBATORE: After nearly a year's struggle for the re-laying of Mettupalayam Road, residents of colonies on either side of this stretch have indicated that they will step up the battle after the election results are out. Claiming indications from the officials concerned that the road will be re-laid over a stretch of 12 km connecting the city with the outskirts, the residents have decided to wait before getting into the next course of action. As no scheme can be announced till the end of the elections, the issue can be raised after the results are out, they say.

M. Devendran, who leads a group of residents in the struggle for the re-laying of the road, says that an association may be formed if works do not begin even after the elections. So far, the residents had not formed an association as they thought the poor condition of the road and the accidents it caused would attract prompt action. "We are told that the process of allocating funds for the re-laying has begun and that there are even plans to make it a six-lane highway. That has made us wait," says Mr. Devendran.

But, the works being planned should be taken immediately. Monsoon sets in during the first or second week of June. Any delay now will hold up the roadwork till December. Many lives or limbs will be lost by then. Already, the potholes on the stretch between Chinthamani at North Coimbatore and NGGO Colony (towards Mettupalayam) cause accidents frequently, with most of the victims being two-wheeler riders. Five to six pits dug for laying telephone cables have not been filled properly. The road surface at the Vellakinar Junction has completely worn out. The point where a road branches off towards Nallampalayam is equally bad.

Smooth flow

Repairs were done on one portion of the road during the election campaign. This enabled smooth flow of convoys of political leaders. But, efforts will have to be taken soon to protect the lives of the public as well, the residents say.

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