Chennai Corporation Mandates Road Milling to Prevent Rising Street Levels

The Greater Chennai Corporation has issued a directive requiring engineers to mill existing road surfaces before applying new bitumen. This move is intended to prevent the accumulation of multiple layers, which often causes road levels to rise over time.

According to a circular issued by Commissioner G.S. Sameeran, engineers are now required to evaluate road slopes, drainage, and the height of surrounding properties before beginning any relaying projects. The order emphasizes that road heights should not increase during repairs.

For areas inaccessible to milling machinery, such as spaces around manholes or trees, the old surface must be removed manually. Furthermore, utility covers and footpaths must be adjusted to align with the final road level.

To ensure accountability, project teams must record the quantity of material removed and keep photographic evidence of the milled surfaces at the construction site. These instructions follow concerns raised by an anti-corruption group regarding road quality and maintenance practices.