Commuters harried as rain damages diversion road near New Amritsar gate

The alternative road being used to divert traffic during the ongoing construction of a flyover on the main GT Road near the New Amritsar gate has been badly damaged following recent rains, leading to slow traffic movement and frequent jams in the area.

Work on the flyover has been underway for more than a year. A portion of the main road and the BRTS corridor has also been occupied by the construction agency for storing material and carrying out construction-related activities, forcing a large volume of traffic to use the service lane as an alternative route.

The stretch is an important link connecting Amritsar with other parts of the state and witnesses heavy traffic throughout the day. However, the poor condition of the diversion road has added to the difficulties faced by commuters.

Recent rains have further worsened the condition of the road, leaving deep potholes at several places. Water accumulates in the potholes even after light rain, making it particularly difficult for two-wheeler riders to negotiate the stretch. On rainy days, the damaged road slows down traffic, resulting in long queues and frequent traffic jams.

Residents said the administration had failed to ensure proper maintenance of the road despite knowing that it was being used as a diversion route for a major infrastructure project.

The problem is further aggravated by vehicles being parked along the road by nearby car showrooms and service centres. Residents alleged that the traffic police had failed to prevent roadside parking and encroachments, reducing the already limited road space available for traffic.

Local residents have urged the authorities concerned to at least repair the service lane and make the diversion route motorable until the flyover construction is completed. Jatinder Singh, a resident of New Amritsar, said no adequate arrangements had been made for traffic management since the construction of the flyover began.

“Traffic has been diverted to a road that is in a very poor condition. The potholes make commuting extremely difficult. People who have to use this road several times a day are facing serious inconvenience,” he said.

Another resident, Sukhman Kaur, said commuters have to spend considerable time stuck in traffic even while travelling short distances.

“I have to pass through long traffic jams while travelling to and from home. The road is particularly risky for scooter riders and several accidents have also taken place here,” she said.