Monsoon exposes Jalandhar's crumbling infra

Jalandhar, July 25

After the recent rains, the condition of potholed Wadala Road near TV Tower has turned worse. The deep potholes, filled with rainwater, have been causing trouble to commuters for the past many days, but the Municipal Corporation has failed to do the needful.

Commuters complain that even if they are moving at a slow speed of 20-30 km, there are chances of vehicles getting stuck in the potholes and drivers or riders losing control over them, leading to accidents. Apart from this, they alleged due to the poor condition of the road, not only the traffic on the stretch remains disrupted, but it also puts a financial burden on them as they have to spend a lot of money on the maintenance of vehicles.

“Many accidents have taken place on the stretch, especially during rains as commuters fail to judge the depth of potholes. Just two days ago, a motorcycle hit a stone on the road and the rider received serious injuries on the leg,” said Narinder, who runs a shop along the road.

He rued despite paying huge taxes, the road infrastructure in the city was extremely poor. “Officials hardly bother to take a tour of the city and check which roads urgently need to be repaired. They simply keep sitting in their AC rooms, and it is the common public who have to bear the brunt of the negligence of the officials concerned,” he added.

Another commuter, Shweta, said, “Hundreds of people use this road to go to their offices and business establishments. Besides, if you are coming from Nakodar side, this road is the main entrance to the city but still the MC is paying no attention to get it repaired”.

She said the potholes on the road remain waterlogged even after it stopped raining. Several people have got injured while commuting on the road. “The authorities concerned should immediately get it recarpeted on priority,” she added.

“It has become hard to ride two-wheelers on potholed roads of the city as the situation has worsened this rainy season. At many locations, potholes are not visible due to the accumulated water, thus, mishaps take place. The authorities should fill potholes with bitumen, if raods can’t be recarpeted now,” said Sahil, who is pursuing engineering from a private college here.

MC Commissioner Devinder Singh said “I will get the road checked and asked officials concerned to do the needful on priority.”

Open invitation to accidents

Many accidents have taken place on the stretch, especially during rains as commuters fail to judge the depth of potholes. Just two days ago, a motorcycle hit a stone on the road and the rider received serious injuries on the leg. — Narinder, trader on Wadala road

Will do the needful

I will get the road checked and ask officials concerned to do the needful on priority. — Devinder Singh, MC Commissioner