Potholed Phagwara roads nightmare for commuters

Most of the roads in Phagwara are in bad shape but neither the civil administration, nor the municipal corporation is in a mood to provide a much-needed relief to residents.

The Phagwara-Banga road linking the historical Sri Vishawkarma Mandir and Gurdwara Sukhchain Sahib is in a deteriorated condition, causing inconvenience to commuters.

Deep potholes on the road have made commuting difficult and have led to an increase in accidents. Local leaders and business associations are urging the authorities to repair the road, especially before Diwali.

Vishwamittar Sharma, president, Shamshan Ghat, Banga road, Pradeep Dhiman, president of the Baba Vishwakarma Mandir Committee, and Taranjeet Kinra, president of the Banga Road Association, said the road’s poor condition is causing hardships to commuters.

Despite the requests to the government and administration, no action has been taken over the past two-and-a-half years. They emphasised that during major festivals, thousands of devotees visit Baba Vishwakarma Mandir and nearby religious sites.

Davinder Kultham, president of the Banga Road Shoes Association, said local businesses are suffering losses as customers, including those from abroad, are avoiding the area due to the poor condition of the road.

Similarly, Pankaj Gautam, president of the Small-Scale Industries Association, and Mohan Singh Gandhi, president of Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Nimmawala, expressed frustration over the authorities’ negligence.

Residents have sent e-mails to the Chief Minister, PWD Minister and Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, MP, in this regard.

DC, Kapurthla, Amit Kumar Panchal said the main Banga road has to be constructed by the PWD, and he will talk to the officials concerned. Panchal, however, assured residents that he would instruct the Municipal Corporation, Phagwara, to repair roads in localities soon.