Residents of the Mannar region have voiced their frustration over the continued neglect of the main road leading to South Bar railway station, which has remained in a severe state of disrepair for years despite multiple calls for proper maintenance.
The road, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Mannar Road Development Authority, has become increasingly unusable due to its deteriorating condition, posing significant challenges to both commuters and local residents. Despite funds being allocated for its development, Tamils claim that these resources were eventually returned or misused, leaving the road untouched and in a worsening state.
The poor condition of the road has particularly affected those who rely on train travel, as well as residents of Santhipuram and South Bar, who are forced to navigate the hazardous route daily. The lack of proper infrastructure has led to frequent accidents, vehicle damage, and difficulties for pedestrians, including school children and the elderly.
Amid growing public outcry, the Road Development Authority has faced sharp criticism for its handling of road maintenance. Residents of Santhipuram village have expressed their anger over the poorly executed pothole patching, accusing the authorities of carrying out quick-fix solutions rather than implementing lasting repairs.
The community alleges that rather than taking a structured approach to road development, government officials have merely engaged in superficial fixes that waste government funds without delivering real improvements.
Frustrated by years of inaction, villagers are now demanding that the Road Development Authority cease wasting government funds on ineffective repairs and instead commit to fully reconstructing the road.
Despite repeated assurances from officials over the years, residents say they have seen no meaningful progress. The continued neglect of the South Bar railway station road is emblematic of the wider infrastructural issues in the Tamil homeland, where state development projects frequently fail to address the actual needs of the people.
