Perilous Garha road puts commuters’ lives at risk

Tribune News Service

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, October 2

The road spanning the distance from Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to Garha Chowk that further extends into Defence Colony has fallen into a state of disrepair, causing distress among local residents who navigate the treacherous path daily.

The condition of the road had improved slightly during the Assembly elections offering some relief. It is now again riddled with huge potholes and poses a threat to the commuters, especially during rains.

Commuting a nightmare

'Commuting on this stretch is a nightmare during rains. Potholes turn into puddles and the accumulation of water makes driving hazardous. We risk our lives every day.'

— Rajesh Sharma, a daily commuter

According to residents of Defence Colony, the ordeal began over a year ago when the road was patched up offering relief albeit briefly to those who rely on it for their daily commute. However, the respite was short-lived as the road was excavated again for installation of pipes as part of the surface water project.

Dip in footfall at shops

Local businesses have also felt the repercussions, with shopkeepers in Garha Chowk reporting a decline in footfall due to the road’s condition. Sanjay Verma, a shop owner, lamented that customers were hesitant to visit the stores because of the road’s condition. It’s affecting the business.

“Despite the completion of work to lay pipes, the Municipal Corporation (MC) left the road in a poor state, with no signs of initiating the much-needed reconstruction,” the residents said.

Residents said time and again, they had shared harrowing experiences due to the deplorable condition of the road, but nothing has happened. Expressing concern, Rajesh Sharma, a daily commuter, said: “Commuting on this stretch is a nightmare during rains. Potholes turn into puddles and the accumulation of water makes driving hazardous. We risk our lives every day.”

Meena Singh, a resident of Defence Colony, said: “Elderly persons and schoolchildren find it challenging to navigate this road. It has become an ordeal for us to walk or drive here.”

Meena Rani, another resident, said: “It seems the MC is least bothered about the safety of commuters. Almost all roads are riddled with potholes, particularly Garha Road and Cool Road. Despite being in one of the posh localities, commuting on these roads is a nightmare. We don’t know where the tax payers’ money is going as hardly any improvement is seen in road infrastructure.”

Local businesses have also felt the repercussions, with shopkeepers in Garha Chowk reporting a decline in footfall due to the road’s condition. Sanjay Verma, a shop owner, lamented that customers were hesitant to visit the stores because of the road’s condition. It’s affecting the business.

Amid mounting concerns, residents are now demanding swift action from the Municipal Corporation. They are urging the authorities to prioritise the reconstruction of the road to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.