Broken link road between Rihana Jattan, Dumeli raises safety concerns

The link road connecting the villages of Rihana Jattan and Dumeli near Phagwara has become a hazard for commuters, with its deteriorating condition posing a serious risk of accidents. The situation has worsened during the ongoing monsoon season, as large potholes, now filled with rainwater, remain hidden from motorists and pedestrians, increasing the chances of mishaps.

Local shopkeepers, residents and vehicle owners have expressed strong dissatisfaction, highlighting the stark contrast between the government’s promises of rural development and the neglected state of village link roads. They pointed out that broken stretches often trap vehicles and the risk of accidents is significantly higher at night when visibility is poor. Villagers have warned that unless the road is repaired soon, the deep potholes could become deadly traps.

The public also criticised the short-term “patchwork repairs” typically performed on rural roads, noting that these fixes barely last a single spell of heavy rain, leaving the surface in an even more dangerous state. The villagers have appealed to the state government for urgent action to completely reconstruct the road, citing the high volume of daily traffic passing through it.

When contacted, PWD Sub-Divisional Officer Rajiv Uppal acknowledged that repairs on several link roads have been carried out, but work on this stretch is currently paused due to the monsoon. “As soon as the rains subside, repairs on the Rihana Jattan–Dumeli road will also be undertaken,” he assured.