Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 31, 2008
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Monday, Mar 31, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version |
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Tamil Nadu
Closure timings of level crossing unpredictable Culvert bridge is narrow and dilapidated KULITHALAI: Rain, official apathy, sand lorries and round-the-clock heavy vehicle traffic has left Lalapet level crossing area in tatters. Forced into a bumpy ride, motorists find it difficult to negotiate the stretch that resembles a cross-country riding track. Lalapet and highway bottlenecks seem to go hand in hand. The recent wet spell has left National Highway 67 between Karur and Tiruchi in a bad shape and the problem is at its worst at Lalapet. Road users passing through the stretch have a harrowing time as one obstacle after another puts a brake in their travel. First, the unpredictable closure timings of the level crossing put off motorists. Sometimes, the closure time stretches beyond half an hour as the gate remains closed for two-way rail traffic in a space of 15 minutes and all the while the gate remains shut. Meanwhile vehicles queue up on either side of the gate. Then, the narrow and dilapidated culvert bridge across South Bank Canal, just beyond the gate on the northern side, leads frequently to traffic bottlenecks. Authorities have shown scant regard for public needs and sentiments with regard to the demand for renovating or repairing the culvert that is ready to come apart any time. The parapet has already given way and a police barricade is placed as a makeshift cover to prevent vehicles from tripping into the canal. Once past those impediments, motorists come to the final frontier in the form of a muddy and bumpy ride for a kilometre leading to Kulithalai. In fact, the road stretch till Karuppattur is itself slushy on either side and is made worse by sand-laden lorries waiting to pass through the level crossing. To avoid getting caught in the slush, other vehicles come to the middle of the road, forcing oncoming vehicles on the narrow stretch to the slippery and rutted road adjoining the Cauvery near the Samathuva burning ghat. The fate of smaller vehicles is all more pitiable as the undercarriages often bump against the ground. This area is said to be the take off approach road to the rail over bridge. The firm that has taken up construction of the rail over bridge at Lalapet has left the approach area to the bridge on the northern side in tatters and the recent rain has only made things worse. For their part, the numerous sand laden lorries that pass through the area muddy things further what with water dripping ceaselessly from their extra heavy load. All factors conjure up a nightmarish drive through Lalapet. Locals and motorists seek urgent repair works at the stretch to lessen their woes. Lalapet area craves immediate attention.
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