The Erode Corporation has earmarked nearly Rs. 1 crore for re-laying the severely battered Sampath Nagar Road here.

The road was reduced to shambles when the civic administration laid sewage pipelines as a part of its underground drainage project. Though the workers completed the pipeline work several weeks ago, they failed to re-lay the road or carry out repairs immediately. As a result, the road remained in bad condition, giving nightmarish experience to its users.

The road witnesses heavy traffic as it connects the Collectorate complex and Integrated Court complex. It also connects the Collector's camp office and the residences of many senior officials in the district.

“The entire Sampath Nagar area is in a state of disorder because of the badly damaged road,” a senior official pointed out.

“The constant vehicular movement on the stretch sends up clouds of dust, causing discomfort to pedestrians and officials in the area,” he said.

Pedestrians had to cover their face when they walked because of the dirt. “We learnt that the civic body allotted funds for re-laying the road. But we don't know why there is a delay in commencing the work,” said N. Seenivasan, a resident in the area.

When contacted, Mayor Mallika Paramasivam said that the work would be taken up after getting the approval from the council. “We have allotted the sum from our General fund,” she said.

“We will commence the work in the first week of March and finish it quickly,” Corporation Commissioner M. Vijayalakshmi assured.