Una-Bhota highway in need of repairs

Rajesh Sharma

UNA, OCTOBER 14

The Una to Bhota state highway is in a pathetic condition with its metalled surface peeling off frequently. The highway was widened and strengthened by a Chinese company about nine years ago.

The stretch of the road between Dumkhar and Thana Khas is damaged at around 50 spots, causing inconvenience to commuters and posing the threat of accidents. Similar patches can be seen at various other places.

Even the Public Works Department (PWD) authorities are tired of repeatedly doing the patch work on the road. A contractor, who was recently awarded the work for tarring an 8-km stretch of the road, has reportedly backed out due to reappearing cracks.

SK Agnihotri, Executive Engineer, PWD, Bangana, admitted that the road was peeling off frequently and he had written to the Superintending Engineer about the chronic problem. He said that the department was planning to have consultancy services to address the issue.

Agnihotri said that while dampness in the soil could be one reason for repeated peeling off, patch work done on the road three months ago did not sustain. He added that till the time the decision to hire consultancy services was not taken, the department would continue to repair the road.