This stretch in Amritsar is a mix of dust, potholes

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 25

Even as the holy city was included under the Centre’s flagship programme, the Smart City Project four years ago, potholed roads still remain the bane of the residents, including those in posh localities of the city. The roads in many areas of Ranjit Avenue are no exception and commuters often complain of bad roads offering bumpy rides. A case in point being the stretch leading to Sardar Beant Singh Park from the link road connecting Kacheri chowk with Ranjit Avenue.

The residents complained that the stretch of the road has been lying unattended for the past many days and needs immediate re-carpeting. “The situation is so bad that if a vehicle passes through the stretch, it dispels the dust in the air. If the road is carpeted properly, it would be less inconvenient for the commuters,” said Sahil Sharma, a resident. The commuters also complain that the dilapidated road is resulting in wear and tear of the vehicles. “Those riding on two-wheelers are more at risk as the tyres skid on pebbles scattered on the road while applying brakes,” said a commuter.

Apart from the residents of the area, the stretch is also used by commuters trying to get to the bypass road towards Ranjit Avenue from the Civil Lines area. Further, it is used by hundreds of joggers in the morning and evenings to reach Sardar Beant Singh Park. “It becomes inconvenient when a speeding car leaves behind a cloud of dust and clouds your visibility,” complained another resident Bal Krishan.

Amritsar Improvement Trust Chairman Dinesh Bassi said a proposal for re-carpeting of the road is under way. He said the work would be started within next few weeks.