Post-rain, waterlogged roads add to commuters’ woes in Amritsar

Moderate rain on Friday has inconvenienced commuters a lot with roads and potholes filled with rainwater. Many roads across the city are already in a poor condition with major potholes visible at almost every stretch.

Advertisement

Owing to improper construction, rainwater gets accumulated on roads and streets for several days even after moderate showers. The stagnant water further damages the road surfaces, leaving new potholes after each rainfall.

Residents have raised concerns about the inferior quality of materials used in road construction, alleging that roads often get washed away after one or two spells of downpour. In a glaring instance of negligence, the newly completed overbridge at Daburji, which took years to complete, is already witnessing massive waterlogging on its top and slope. Commuters and residents are irked over the water stagnation on the bridge slope, which is believed to be a result of the faulty design.

Social worker Sarabjit Singh Sonu of Jandiala criticised the poor engineering and lack of accountability in the construction process. “Look at the condition of the new bridge built at Daburji on the national highway. Officials and engineers responsible for this structure should be questioned. How can such an irresponsible work be tolerated? This is a blatant misuse of public funds. The construction was completed just a few months ago, and the road is already breaking at several places. The absence of a proper slope has led to water stagnation on top of the bridge. Who is responsible for this? The government must take strict action against the officials involved.”

He further demanded a Vigilance Bureau inquiry against the responsible authorities, urging the government to hold them accountable for their negligence. The issue of substandard construction and lack of maintenance continues to frustrate city residents, who demand urgent intervention to address the deteriorating infrastructure.