Potholed roads pose risk for commuters, authorities apathetic

In this rainy season, the condition of various broken roads has become worst, but the authorities concerned have failed to pay attention towards these roads. At some places, the potholes are so deep that they lead to accidents.

Despite appeals of residents, these roads were not repaired when these potholes were small. During rain water gets collected in potholes, thus making it difficult for commuters to judge the depth of pothole.

The stretch from Gill Road to Railway Crossing near Dana Mandi has been broken from many places, thus causing mishaps. Shopkeepers of the area claimed that two-wheelers generally lose balance over these potholes, while four wheelers face machinery issues due to the broken road.

The condition of the road near Telephone exchange in E block of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar is no different, as water gets collected up to two feet after rain because of the unlevelled broken road. A sewer lane was also installed near gurdwara of E block, but road was not constructed after its installation.

A commuter, Surjit Singh, said, “Broken roads not only are becoming a cause of accidents, water-logging is another major problem after rain. Authorities concerned should take action in this regard at the earliest.”

Besides, the condition of Dhandra Road, which falls under Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority, is also pathetic. The road from Phullanwal octroi post to Dugri Bypass Road is crying for attention. Residents had also written a complaint to deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in this regard.

GLADA superintending engineer RK Jaidka claimed, “Majority of potholes on Bypass Road from Phullanwal to Dugri were repaired while the remaining will be filled in the coming days. He said Dhandra Road will also be carpeted soon.”

The roads of Krishna Nagar in Ghumar Mandi are in pitiable condition, but authorities are not paying heed. A resident, Manvir Singh, said, “If the government could not provide basic amenities like proper roads, then how will development take place here?

Members of the Samaj Sewa Society also demanded carpeting of Daba Road, as the commuters were a harried lot. Society head Ramesh Srivastav said these potholes were inviting mishaps.

Superintending engineer of B and R wing for MC's Zone B and D, Dharam Singh said, “We will take required steps to repair the roads falling in zone B and D soon after the rainy season ends.”

Superintending engineer of B and R wing for MC's Zone A and C, AK Singla also assured to repair the roads after rainy season.