Amritsar: A short stretch, but commuters’ nightmare

A short stretch of road connecting the GT Road and Hall Bazaar near Old Sabji Mandi has become a nightmare for commuters. The road, which always gets submerged after a spell of rain, is riddled with potholes that remain hidden under water, posing a serious threat to commuters’ lives, especially at night.

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Though most of the residents are aware of the situation, as the road is flooded after every rain, outsiders are often caught off guard. With the onset of an early monsoon, the road is already in a pool-like state, and after every short spell of rain the situation is same.

Even as the municipal corporation officials have appointed employees to oversee the condition of various roads, the apathy towards this stretch has exacerbated the situation, with rainwater remaining accumulated since the first rain of the season.

Local shopkeepers have taken matters into their own hands, using stones and makeshift signs to alert drivers, especially three-wheeler operators, who often get stuck in these deep potholes. Commuters are forced to find alternative routes or drive over scattered garbage heaps or use footpaths, causing inconvenience, particularly to those unfamiliar with the area.

“It is a deadly stretch for outsiders who are unaware of the road’s condition,” said Rajesh Kumar, a fruit seller. He said that the vehicles often get stuck here, and some are even towed away.

Residents demand that the municipal corporation should at least install warning signs to inform commuters about the hazardous road conditions. “If finding the source of flooding is too challenging, putting up a warning board can be a helpful alternative,” said Jaswant Singh, a local resident.

They have urged senior officials to take immediate action to address this critical issue and ensure commuter safety. The road is used by commuters to get to Hall Bazaar from the bus stand side.

Besides, the submerged road has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, adding to the health concerns of the residents. The situation demands immediate attention from the authorities to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of commuters.