Bengal poll exodus stalls Trichy construction works

Trichy: A large-scale return of guest workers from West Bengal to vote in the state assembly elections has slowed both government and private construction projects in the city, forcing contractors to rely on local labour.Work has been affected for nearly two weeks at key sites, including the upcoming Kamarajar Grand Library at TVS Tollgate and the broad specialty block at MGMGH in Puthur. Officials said many workers employed through private agents left for their native places ahead of the two-phase polling on April 23 and 29."We have engaged local workers to keep the projects going. Full-fledged activity is expected to resume within a week after the guest workers return," a senior public works department (PWD) official said.Contractors said the absence of workers from West Bengal—who form a significant share of the workforce in specialised tasks such as bar bending and shuttering—has delayed progress. "Nearly 80% of workers in bar bending are from Bengal. Their absence has slowed structural work. Agents indicate they may return by the first week of May," said S Prabhakaran, a civil engineer.Local workers are largely engaged in masonry, while projects at the structural stage depend heavily on migrant labour. Some workers from Bihar and Jharkhand continue to be available, offering limited relief.Contractors added that most workers are likely to resume travel only after May 4. The disruption has impacted not just major projects but also smaller residential constructions. "Higher wages and allowances demanded by local workers led us to depend on guest workers. While some projects continue with labour from Jharkhand, many have slowed," said contractor T Selvakumar.Meanwhile, rising temperatures have further affected work schedules. Labourers now start as early as 6 am, halt work during peak heat between 12 pm and 4 pm, and resume in the evening till about 7 pm, depending on site conditions.MSID:: 130556626 413 |