Despite paying toll, commuters forced to use this pathetic Amritsar-Khemkaran road

Thousands of daily commuters passing the Amritsar-Khemkaran highway are both frustrated and angry over the poor condition of the road, despite being charged a toll fee of Rs 50 for a one-way trip.

The highway, which is an important route for the movement of people and goods in the region, has become almost unfit for travel. One lane of the road near Bohru is completely blocked due to sewerage water with concrete boulders placed to stop vehicles from entering the flooded stretch. The other lane is filled with deep potholes, making travel extremely difficult and unsafe.

“The road has been in a pathetic condition for over a year,” said Gurnam Singh, a local resident, who uses the highway daily. He complained that instead of repairing the road, they have blocked it. He added that despite the poor service, commuters are still being charged toll.

Residents complained that the stretch near Fatahpur village is also in bad shape. “After a spell of rain, the road turns into a virtual pond. And it becomes dangerous for motorists to drive, especially on two-wheelers,” said Kashmir Singh, another commuter.

Many people are now questioning why toll is being collected at all. “The whole point of toll is to ensure better roads and smooth travel. But here, we are paying for a road that damages our vehicles and put our lives to risk,” said Manjeet Kaur, a school teacher, who travels from Amritsar to her school daily.

Trucks and buses are seen moving at a snail’s pace on these potholed stretches, causing traffic jams and delays. Locals say there have been several minor accidents in recent months, especially during the monsoon season.

People are demanding immediate action from the authorities concerned. “We want the road to be repaired as soon as possible. If toll is being collected, we have the right to safe roads,” said Harpreet Singh, a farmer from a nearby village.