Punjab Roadways workshop in Amritsar flooded with rainwater, sludge

The Punjab Roadways workshop in city is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The workshop premises have been filled with rainwater and sludge, making it nearly impossible for employees and workers to enter the facility and carry out their daily tasks. The problem, however, is far from new. For years, the workshop has remained in a state of neglect, with no concrete action taken by the Punjab government despite repeated appeals and public attention.

Employees working at the Amritsar depot have expressed resentment over the lack of basic infrastructure and drainage facilities. They say that this workshop, despite generating substantial revenue for the government, has been ignored consistently.

“This Roadways depot contributes nearly Rs 14 crore annually to the state’s income, and yet people work in deplorable conditions. Many workers are at constant risk of falling ill due to unsanitary conditions inside the workshop,” said Pawan Sharma, an engineer and social activist. The situation is so lamentable that employees are forced to remove their shoes before entering the flooded workshop. The outer boundary wall of the facility is also reportedly on the verge of collapse, posing a safety risk to those working inside. Over 243 buses from the Amritsar depot are serviced here, and the poor condition of the workshop directly impacts the efficiency and safety of public transport services in the region.

Pawan Sharma visited the workshop and expressed serious concern over the appalling conditions. “The floor is covered with water and sludge. This is a workplace, not a pond,” he said. Sharma pointed out that despite the promises made by local MLA Jasbir Singh Sandhu regarding the renovation of the workshop, no progress has been visible on the ground. He has appealed to Punjab’s Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar to intervene urgently and improve the infrastructure of this crucial facility.

As the monsoon continues its march, the situation is expected to worsen unless immediate action is taken. Workers, social activists and citizens alike are now calling upon the state government to prioritise the renovation of Amritsar depot workshop, not just for the well-being of employees, but also for the sake of maintaining the integrity and performance of public transport in the region.