Traffic jams on Pathankot-Mandi highway irk commuters

Palampur, January 29

Long traffic jams on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway at Maranda town near the Rotary Eye Hospital in Palampur are causing a lot of inconvenience to thousands of tourists and local commuters every day. Many accidents have taken place on the narrow road stretch, mostly involving two-wheelers, which is full of potholes.

Potholes galore

The situation has worsened ever since the National Highways Authority of India took over the road, as it has not repaired the potholes, allege residents.

Long queues of vehicles can be seen at the Maranda market every day. Besides, vehicles parked on the roadside aggravate the problem. A number of shopkeepers say that traffic jams have affected their business adversely.

The situation has worsened ever since the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took over the road, as it has not repaired the potholes.

A senior police officer says that the NHAI and the Public Works Department (PWD) have been informed about the poor condition of the road several times, but the damaged stretches have not been repaired. The condition of the road near Kalu Di Hatti is deplorable, as deep potholes have made it prone to accidents.

He says that the police have deputed constables to regulate traffic, but jams cannot be averted because of narrow roads and irresponsible parking of vehicles.