Promise to repair roads turns hollow as many stretches in Amritsar cry for attention

Residents of the holy city are fed up with deplorable condition of roads, despite repeated promises by local MLAs to recarpet these stretches. Roads in the walled city and interior areas are riddled with potholes, making commuting a nightmare for residents. Even outer roads, including those in the posh areas, need urgent repairs.

Commuters have reported bumpy rides and accidents due to poor condition of roads. Big potholes can be seen on Ajit Nagar Road, Sultanwind Chowk and Chamrag Road. Roads connecting with periphery towns are treacherous with major potholes creating hazards in driving. Sultanwind Road, Mehta Road, GT Road and Majitha Road are teeming with potholes. Batala Road has been dug up to lay pipeline for 24x7 canal water supply. The outer bypass road is also in pathetic state with some stretches washed away by recent rains.

Residents are frustrated as the authorities concerned have failed to address the issue. “Political leaders made announcements that funds have been released for road repair, but there has been no change on the ground level,” said Mohan Singh, a resident of Partap Nagar. He said residents were demanding immediate road repairs to ensure safe and smooth commuting.

Roads leading to the Golden Temple in the walled city and other interior stretches have not been recarpeted even after tall claims of the municipal corporation (MC).

“Potholes and uneven surfaces on roads in the city cause accidents. The recent rain has aggravated the situation,” said Saurav Sharma, a resident of Batala Road.

“The city residents are losing patience. They have urged the authorities to take swift action to address the broken road crisis. Political leaders have made announcements that funds have been released for repairs, but nothing has changed,” said Sukh Ram, another city resident.