Repair BRTS’s Batala road stretch: Residents

The Batala road stretch, part of the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) corridor, has been left unpaved for over a year, forcing residents to endure a bumpy ride. The area, dug up for laying a gas pipeline, was filled with loose soil, which has sunk by three to six feet after several spells of rain.

Shopkeepers on the stretch reported that two-wheelers often skid on the road, while battery-operated e-rickshaws turn turtle due to the uneven surface. “People have sustained injuries and the dust roused by vehicles causes air pollution and trouble to nearby residents,” said Rajat Aggarwal, a shopkeeper.

“Things get worse, particularly during peak hours, when the road becomes congested. The lack of proper maintenance has turned this stretch into a nightmare for commuters,” added Aggarwal.

With the 1.5-km stretch in a state of disrepair, commuters are forced to use the elevated BRTS corridor. However, with the revival of public bus service on the horizon, residents fear that the corridor will no longer be available for private vehicles. The route from Naraingarh to the Golden Gate has already been started and it is only a matter of time before buses start plying on the Verka route.

“As soon as buses start plying on this route, the elevated BRTS corridor will not be available for private vehicles. This will not only cause inconvenience to commuters but also lead to increased traffic congestion on the surrounding roads,” said Balram Singh, a resident.