Potholed roads in villages near Mohali airport make for turbulent ride
Residents of Bari, Matran, Kurdi, Kurda and Sekhan Majra, all villages in the vicinity of the airport have rued the pitiable condition of the roads in the belt.
The pothole-riddled roads are often covered in gravel and dust, making the commute extremely difficult. The residents have criticized the local elected representatives for failing to take up their cause.
“The villages have been traditional Congress strongholds but neither Congress nor the Aap Aadmi Party stands up for us,” said a local resident.
The area falls under Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), but their development body nor the Punjab Mandi Board have taken much interest in the upkeep of roads.
Notably, GMADA earns hundreds of crores by selling land in these villages but the infrastructure remains pitiable.
The situation in the villages has worsened to such an extent that even residents with luxury vehicles and crores worth of land are compelled to travel on muddy, pothole-ridden paths.
Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi, meanwhile, said, “It is unjust to deprive villages near major development projects like Aerocity and the International Airport of basic amenities.”
He added that agencies like the Rural Development Department, Mandi Board, or GMADA, which focus on markets and residential zones, must also prioritise the needs of rural areas.
Former Sarpanch Swarn Singh said, “The issue is directly linked to the mobility and quality of life of the people. If the government fails to act promptly, there will be a struggle, for which the government alone will be responsible.”
Local residents warned of road blockades and sit-ins if their concerns are not addressed immediately.
