Funds delay pushes Arki roads to brink of collapse

The absence of timely funds has left rural roads in the Arki Assembly segment crumbling, with several key stretches turning perilous for daily commuting. Roads in Namhol, Bararighat, Dhundan-Piplughat-Batal Ghati-Kunihar and surrounding villages bear deep potholes, which have not been repaired since the monsoon wreaked havoc months ago.

At Dhundan, a section of the Dhundan-Piplughat road has been damaged after landslides brought down mounds of muck and sweeping away nearly 25 metres of railing. The stretch now poses a grave risk to vehicles navigating the narrow, unstable terrain. Heaps of debris were piled along the roadside while locals warned that even light shower could make the road unfit for use.

“The air here is thick with dust, making it unbearable for patients with respiratory issues,” laments Ajay Kumar, a commuter. “Children travelling to schools breathe this unhealthy air every day,” he adds.

The situation worsens with the constant movement of heavy, cement-laden trucks that also accelerate wear and tear. Despite the urgency, the Public Works Department (PWD), which is awaiting the phased release of sanctioned funds, is yet to carry out repairs. “Tenders have been floated for road repairs after the District Disaster Management Authority approved Rs 19 crore for the 2023 monsoon damage,” says KK Chauhan, Executive Engineer, PWD, Kunihar division. “However, the funds will be disbursed gradually,” he adds.

The damage caused during the monsoon season this year has been estimated at an additional Rs 30 crore. Officials fear any further delay will render repairs impossible as cold weather sets in after mid-November. “Bitumen laying requires high air and ground temperatures,” Chauhan says. “Once temperatures dip, the process becomes technically unviable,” he adds.

Even roads under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) show little improvement. The Bararighat-Namhol section, undergoing widening to four lanes, is riddled with potholes having eroded edges, pushing up vehicle maintenance costs for commuters. Though the NHAI claims repairs are underway, locals doubt the quality and timeliness of the work.