New government. hospitals, prevention of waterlogging are among my priorities, says Katpadi MLA

Katpadi MLA M. Sudhakar during an inspection at Taluk Government Hospital at Sekkadu village in Vellore on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Katpadi MLA and diabetologist M. Sudhakar said that among his several priorities for the constituency is taking steps to ease traffic congestion in Katpadi, especially between the railway station and the Green Circle, a roundabout under the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48).

Vehicles, including buses and trucks, choke on the narrow Old Katpadi Road, bringing traffic to a complete standstill during rush hours. “Trucks and other lorries loaded from Andhra Pradesh should be diverted within Chittoor limits to reach Ranipet and Kancheepuram. They are currently traveling up to Katpadi to reach these places. The proposal for such diversion will be discussed with the state government,” he said.

Another problem that the residents faced was the lack of available medical facilities. Currently, Katpadi has only one Primary Health Care Center (PHC) against at least 250 private clinics.

The recently opened Taluk Government Hospital in Sekkadu village, about 20 km from Katpadi, has few visitors, especially from urban areas, as many residents said the hospital is not easily accessible due to its isolated location. They have to rely on private clinics and hospitals. “Ideally, the new hospital should be located in the center of Katpadi after identifying adequate land. A government hospital will be set up in Katpadi in coordination with the district administration to benefit the urban population,” said Mr. Sudhakar.

Despite being paved with concrete, most of the streets in Katpadi are flooded during the monsoon. This was mainly due to silt deposits in the stormwater drains and water channels that drain excess rainwater into the Palar River. “I have been in constant touch with the Vellore Corporation to address civic concerns and formulate a long-term plan for Katpadi constituency. Of the total 60 constituencies in the corporation, 15 constituencies fall under the constituency,” he said.

Lack of jobs for educated unemployed youth in the constituency remains a major problem as many of them migrate to big cities like Chennai, Bengaluru and Coimbatore to work in the manufacturing sector. “In the constituency, which also covers part of Walajah taluk in Ranipet district, a cluster of industries will be created to provide employment to the local youth. A detailed plan is also being prepared,” he said.

In order to ensure easy access to government services to the residents, the existing office of MLA for Katpadi constituency will be shifted to Katpadi main road for better accessibility. At present the office is located in the center of a residential colony which does not have transport facilities like bus service.

Mr. Sudhakar has been known to residents, especially patients in Katpadi Assembly constituency for more than two decades since he started his clinic in the area in 2004.

Since then, Mr. Sudhakar has won favor with his visitors, mostly poor patients from remote villages in the constituency, with his timely care. His direct connect with the residents helped him emerge as a strong contender for the Katpadi seat in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

As the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate, he defeated DMK general secretary and former water resources minister Duraimurugan, who had won six consecutive terms in the constituency since 1996, winning by a margin of 5870 votes. “As a resident, I have lived in Katpadi for many years. Like my neighbours, I am aware of the improvement in civic amenities in the area,” said 53-year-old Mr. Sudhakar.

A native of Gudiyatham, Mr. Sudhakar spent most of his early years in Yelagiri Hills, Chennai and Tiruvannamalai, where he completed his entire schooling before completing his medical and moving to Katpadi.

Published – 22 May 2026 01:03 IST