Risky drive on this newly laid stretch

Deepender Deswal
Tribune News Service
Hisar, August 11

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The newly laid National Highway (NH 148B) stretch between Charkhi Dadri and Bhiwani towns has caved in at several places due to rain in the ongoing monsoon season posing threat to motorists’ lives.

The almost 35-km stretch between the two district headquarter towns have developed potholes and soil erosion at about 20 spots, which is dangerous for commuters. Ashok Kumar Bhardwaj, a social activist, who travelled from Bhiwani to Charkhi Dadri on Sunday, said he detected around 50-60 spots, where the edge of the road on both sides of the highway had damaged as the road caved in due to soil erosion.

“There are around 20 spots, which are really dangerous for motorists. I tried filling the earth and material at about 15 points, but it requires immediate and urgent repair to avoid any mishap,” Bhardwaj said. He said after its completion, the construction firm was preparing to install a toll plaza near Kitlana village.

Surender Kumar of Bhiwani town, who commutes daily on this stretch, said: “Though the road has been constructed recently, it has failed to weather the first rain of the season. It’s very risky to overtake another vehicle or let other vehicles overtake, as the edges of the road are damaged at several places. Sometimes, the driver has to take a sudden turn or apply brakes to evade potholes,” he said.

Ajit Pradhan, a resident of Dadri town, said the authorities should not allow the construction firm to start charging toll until the road is properly repaired and in shape for safe driving.”

NHAI project director RK Rathee said the highway had been handed over to the state Public Works Department (PWD) for maintenance after completion. However, PWD Executive Engineer at Dadri Surender Dalal said the NHAI got the road constructed and the state PWD had no role in its maintenance.