Neglected slip road becomes a death trap for residents

A drive down the exit road connecting the GT Road and Hall Bazaar near Old Sabzi Mandi is fraught with risks as the stretch has so many potholes, which remain hidden due to being submerged in sewerage water. These hidden potholes pose a serious threat to commuters’ lives, especially at night.

With rainwater remaining accumulated since the first rain of the season, the city municipal corporation’s apathy has exacerbated the situation.

Local shopkeepers have started tackling the matter on their own, using stones and makeshift signs to alert drivers, especially three-wheeler operators, who often get stuck in these deep potholes. Commuters are forced to find alternative routes or drive over scattered garbage heaps or use footpaths, causing inconvenience, particularly those unfamiliar with the area, to commuters.

“It has become a deadly stretch for outsiders who are unaware of the road’s condition,” said Rajesh Kumar, a nearby fruit seller. Vehicles often get stuck here and some need to be towed away, he said.

Residents demand that the municipal corporation should at least install warning signs to inform commuters about the hazardous road conditions. “If finding the source of flooding is too challenging, putting up a warning board can be a helpful alternative,” said Harnam Singh, a local resident.

He wondered if the MC does not have the resources to resolve the issue then it should at least warn the people about the risks of commuting on this stretch.

The residents say that the lack of information can lead to severe road accidents, especially of uninformed bikers, who may become victims of submerged potholes. They urge senior officials to take immediate action to address this critical issue and ensure commuter’s safety.

The road is used by commuters to get to Hall bazaar if they are coming from the bus stand side. It has also been helping in reducing traffic snarls on the Bhandari bridge as drivers can take an exit ahead of it. The shopkeepers near the place stated that the submerged road has become a breeding-ground for mosquitoes.