Residents of Ambattur are voicing demands for a government hospital, wider roads, better rail access, and sewer networks amid stalled growth. These calls come ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in the constituency. Local groups highlight traffic congestion, healthcare access, and lake pollution issues.
Ambattur, a densely populated urban constituency in Tiruvallur district, has undergone massive changes over the past decade or two but residents say growth has stalled in recent years. The seat has over 3.3 lakh voters, including industrial workers, middle-class residents, and small businesses. Formed after the 2008 delimitation, it spans parts of Ambattur taluk and Chennai's expanding western areas, centred on the Ambattur Industrial Estate.
Incumbent DMK MLA Joseph Samuel has not received the party's renomination. Chennai Corporation Ward 87 councillor A.P. Poornima will contest on a DMK ticket against PMK's N. Sekar, NTK's Aadthithan, and TVK's G. Balamurugan.
Resident T. Gunaseelan highlighted the long-pending widening of Chennai-Tiruttani Road from Padi to Avadi, where narrow stretches cause severe traffic bottlenecks amid heavy commuter, bus, and industrial traffic. Ambattur Rail Commuters Welfare Association's S. Gopalakrishnan demanded an additional platform on the station's southern side for express and fast local trains, plus a new foot overbridge as commuters risk lives crossing tracks. He noted slow progress on the subway.
United Welfare Associations president S. Suresh said the area remains neglected with little development. He called for a government hospital, noting it takes nearly 30 minutes to cross Ambattur Estate during peak hours to reach Kilpauk or Stanley hospitals. Residents also seek a government school for boys, unlike facilities for girls, and question priorities like boating at Thangal Eri Park over basics.
Korattur lake faces foul odours, frothing, and fish deaths from untreated sewage via stormwater drains. The National Green Tribunal has directed agencies to stop inflows and bolster sewers, but residents see no improvement. Korattur Aeri Padhugappu Makkal Iyakkam secretary S. Sekaran said many lack underground drainage, leading to stormwater misuse due to high costs including a ₹30,000 Metrowater deposit. Ambattur lake shows water hyacinth infestation.
