Tiruchi Corporation has launched a drive to repair badly damaged roads across all five zones ahead of the monsoon, with ₹1.73 crore sanctioned for the work.

Several major roads across the city have developed potholes and uneven surfaces, causing inconvenience to motorists and other road users. As part of the drive, patchwork is being carried out on roads that have suffered extensive damage.

Corporation officials said the damaged road surfaces were milled before patchwork was undertaken. Bituminous patchwork is being used to fill potholes and level uneven surfaces, which are then compacted.

The repair work covers 443 roads spanning 298.74 km. These include 344 tar roads measuring 272.39 km and 99 cement roads covering 26.35 km.

Of the ₹1.73 crore sanctioned for the work, Zone I, covering wards 1 to 6, 12 to 15 and 21, has been allocated ₹39.45 lakh; Zone II, covering wards 17, 18, 20, 30 to 34 and 47 to 50, ₹27.50 lakh; Zone III, covering wards 16 and 35 to 46, ₹37.50 lakh; Zone IV, covering wards 53, 57, 58 and 60 to 64, ₹40.27 lakh; and Zone V, covering wards 8 to 11 and 22 to 28, ₹28.55 lakh.

Officials said a survey had been conducted to identify roads in each division that required extensive repairs or relaying, and funds had been allocated accordingly.

The work was being carried out round the clock to ensure their completion before the onset of the monsoon. Junior engineers have been instructed to monitor the quality of the repairs, as poorly executed roadwork can deteriorate even after brief spells of rain, and posing a safety risk to motorists.