Zirakpur: Smooth ride on highway flyover, but slush, potholes for local commuters

While the Singhpura flyover on the Chandigarh-Zirakpur National Highway has ensured a smooth ride for those headed to the national capital, local residents continue to face a risky commute given the poor condition of the service roads beneath.

Residents of the area have expressed displeasure over the alleged failure of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Public Works Department (PWD) to address the issue.

Thousands from Zirakpur and the nearby areas face umpteen hurdles on the road, starting with bald patches full of slush, rainwater and loose gravel. Two-wheeler and light motor vehicle users are among the worst-affected.

“A fortnight ago, a Haryana Roadways bus got stuck in a slushy crater in the middle of the road. Light vehicles and cars are getting damaged on a daily basis,” said Sanket Singla, a Nagla resident.

Already narrow, the road is laden with obstructions including vehicles parked on the side lanes and outside shops.

No relief from snarl-ups

Potholes further make the ride bumpy and slow. Locals said the purpose of a flyover, meant to segregate fast and slow-moving vehicles, is defeated due to such bottlenecks and traffic snarls on the service road.

“The movement of local traffic is the same as before since the condition of road results in vehicles moving at a snail’s pace,” said Sarabjit Singh Kalra, another resident of the area.

Residents highlighted that the flyover was marred with several delays and took two years to complete but the finishing touches on the service roads were conveniently forgotten.

“We are still stuck in potholes and snarls. A new bottleneck has emerged near the Bhankharpur bridge as the stretch is narrow. So, from Pabhat to Bhankharpur, it is still a very long and ardous drive,” said Jaswant Singh, a Dera Bassi resident.