Commuters bear brunt of potholed roads in Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana

Commuters say they are left to suffer because of the dilapidated roads near Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar. One of the roads leads to the Municipal Corporation’s Zone D Office.

Residents and commuters say they approached the authorities with their complaints about the potholed roads multiple times, but no corrective action has been taken.

Congress leader Pawan Dewan, who lives in the area, termed the condition “extremely shameful” and said it was contrary to the tall claims made by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

MC Commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta said the repairs will be taken up within 10 days on priority. “According to senior engineer Sham Lal, the tender process has already been completed and work will start within a week,” she added.

Dewan alleged the civic infrastructure, particularly the road network, in the city has collapsed into a state of “utter neglect”.

“The gravity of the situation is evident along the stretch near the prestigious Sacred Heart Convent School. Despite thousands commuting on the road every day, it remains in a deplorable condition, forcing parents, school authorities and commuters to endure harrowing travel experiences,” he added.

He claimed accidents have become a common occurrence due to the condition of the roads.

A teacher at Sacred Heart School, wishing not to be named, said, “The situation poses a constant risk to commuters and students, many of whom travel on two-wheelers. At times, students drive fast to be on time, further increasing the risk. Urgent re carpeting is needed.”

Dewan said this “blatant disregard” underscores the “incompetence and irresponsibility” of the AAP government and the MC.