Khasa-Bhakna road in urgent need of repairs

Travelling on the 4.5-km road stretch from Khasa to Bhakna has become a nightmare for commuters. This crucial road, which connects dozens of villages beyond Bhakna and the city, has been in a deplorable state, with large potholes dotting the stretch, for the past several years.

Khasa, known for its distillery, is a significant destination which connects Bhakna and villages beyond with the Amritsar-Attari GT road. However, commuters undergo a painful experience while driving down the battered road. The entire road from Khasa to Bhakna is in shambles with pebbles spread all over the stretch. It brings down the speed of vehicles and increase chances of an accident.

The stretch is vital for residents of over two dozen villages, providing access to medical and educational facilities in the city.

Residents of the affected villages are frustrated with the authorities’ apathy. Baljit Singh, a local, said, “We have been complaining about the road’s condition for months, but nothing has been done.” He said the bad road has become not only a nuisance, but also a safety hazard.

Commuters have urged the authorities to take immediate action to repair the road and restore the bridge which has its grills smashed.

Harpreet Singh, a daily commuter, said, “The stretch gives us trouble every day, forcing us to shift gear every few seconds to cross the hurdles.” He said people had to spend more on the maintenance of vehicles as the battered road takes a toll on the vehicles, adding to their wear and tear. He added that the condition of the road was turning from bad to worse with each passing day as the authorities did not appeared to be concerned about repairing it.

Residents of the village demand that the stretch should be re-carpeted to end the miseries of commuters. They also demanded regular lifting of garbage as people have to live with insanitary conditions. A shopkeeper, Surjit Singh, said once in a fortnight, lifting of garbage is undertaken in front of the houses on the road. It was dumped on the roadside ahead where there is no human habitation. When they commute on the stretch, stink becomes unbearable at times.