GTB Nagar road turns hazardous, MC snores

The road from Manbro Chowk to GTB Nagar, one of the city’s posh localities, has become a major hazard for commuters. Loose gravel scattered across the surface has turned it into a danger zone, with two-wheeler riders particularly at risk of skidding.

Residents say that despite repeated complaints, the Municipal Corporation has failed to take action, leaving commuters to navigate a road that seems to be deteriorating by the day.

Advocate Iqbal Singh, a resident of GTB Nagar, called the situation extremely frustrating and dangerous. “This road is used by thousands of people every day and the condition has been worsening for months. The loose gravel makes it highly unsafe, especially for bikers. I have seen two-wheeler riders struggling to maintain a balance. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs,” he said.

“We have informed the authorities multiple times, but they seem indifferent. Are they waiting for a tragedy before they take action?”

He said despite GTB Nagar being one of Jalandhar’s most sought-after localities, its residents have been left to deal with broken roads and civic neglect. "The worsening condition of this stretch is just one example of the larger problem plaguing the city", he added.

Another resident Kamlesh Singh said the city is struggling with failing civic infrastructure — pothole-ridden roads, unkempt public parks with broken benches, overgrown weeds and garbage piling up in many areas due to irregular waste collection.

“This is not just GTB Nagar’s story, the entire city is suffering,” he said, adding that during the Municipal Corporation elections, candidates promised the world-class infrastructure, but once they get into power, everything returned to the same state of neglect. "It seems like the authorities wake up only when the elections are near and then disappear once the votes are secured", he further said.

In an effort to push for immediate repairs, social worker and sports promoter Surinder Singh Bhapa also recently met Mayor Vaneet Dhir at the MC office and submitted a memorandum, highlighting the poor state of the GTB Nagar road.

Senior Deputy Mayor Balbir Singh Bittu was also present during the meeting. The memorandum urged the corporation to take swift action before the situation worsens further.

"However, despite all our appeals, there has been no response from the authorities. The road continues to remain hazardous and with no signs of immediate repair, we fear the problem will persist. The failure to address even such a critical issue in a prime locality raises serious concerns about the city’s governance", said Bhapa.

Meanwhile, Mayor Vaneet Dhir says that once the weather stabilises, a crusher plant will be made operational and road repairs across city will be carried out on priority.