Roundabout on Bathinda road poses a threat, say residents

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Malout, June 23

In the absence speed breaker and reflectors, the roundabout on the Bathinda road here poses a threat to commuters. A number of road mishaps have been reported near the roundabout, but the authorities concerned have not made adequate arrangements to avert the mishaps.

Though some policemen have been deployed there, they are also unable to prevent the mishaps, especially at night.

Locals say the problem increases during the winter season, especially in fog. “It doesn’t mean that the roundabout is safe for commuters in summers. The Malout-Bathinda highway is in a good condition and people usually drive their cars at a fast pace. But when they reach near the roundabout, they unable to see it due to the darkness and ram their vehicles into it. The authorities concerned should either paint the roundabout with some fluorescent colours or install reflectors and construct speed breakers,” said residents.

Amandeep, a resident, who runs a shop close to the roundabout, said, “We have seen a number of road mishaps near the roundabout, but nothing has been done. When a vehicle rams into the roundabout, it damages the outer wall. The authorities concerned should install big lights here so that the roundabout can be visible from some distance.”

He added, “The matter has also been brought to the notice of MLA Ajaib Singh Bhatti, but the situation still remains the same. The roundabout was constructed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. Earlier, the PUDA was maintaining it and the condition was good. Besides lights, the fountain was also functional. Now, both of these don’t function.”

Some locals said illegal hoardings installed along the roundabout were also a major hindrance for commuters in seeing the road.