Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The deteriorating condition of Bhopal’s roads has sparked widespread anger among residents with many warning of mass protests if immediate repairs are not undertaken.
Major roads in old and new city areas are full of potholes leading to daily accidents, traffic chaos, and a growing health crisis.
In Rohit Nagar, Gulmohar and Shahpura, roads have turned into accident zones. The stretch from Shahpura police station to Bavadiya Kalan and 80-feet canal side road towards Salaiya is in a bad shape. Despite several complaints made to traffic police and Bhopal Municipal Corporation, no effective action has been taken.
The early rains worsened the problem. According to reports, nearly 2,550 kilometres of roads in the city fall under municipal limit. However, most haven’t been repaired for over 18 months, affecting daily lives of nearly 26 lakh residents.
In Panchseel Nagar, potholes filled with stagnant water and garbage have become breeding ground for mosquitoes putting over 2 lakh residents and 3 lakh daily visitors at risk of vector-borne diseases.
Narmadapuram service road used by over 6.20 lakh commuters from 34 colonies is in such a poor condition that many are forced to use the main highway, leading to increased accidents.
At Putlighar Bus Stand, a high-traffic area serving about 4 lakh people daily, roads haven’t seen maintenance for 16 months, causing severe jams and road mishaps.
Other bad roads
Other severely affected areas include Housing Board Colony, Devki Nagar, MP Nagar, Ayodhya Bypass, Danish Kunj, Chhola, Arera Colony and Ashoka Garden. The public blames contractor negligence, bureaucratic apathy and political interference for the prolonged inaction.
Health concerns are also mounting with rising cases of respiratory issues, skin infections and waterborne diseases due to water stagnation and pollution.
People Speak
Social worker Ravindra Patidar from Salaiya said, “People have resorted to placing stones in potholes just to avoid accidents at night.” Dr Ashish Ranjan of Shri Ram Sharan Colony said canal side road from Shahpura police station to Gulmohar was beyond reach. Mukesh Survaiya resident of Ramnagar Colony, Shahjahanabad, warned of sit-in with his family if road is not repaired within a week.
BMC says
BMC superintendent engineer Subodh Jain admitted that poor drainage and waterlogging have reduced the lifespan of city roads. “Patchwork has begun and over 500 potholes were filled this week,” he said. Mayor Malti Rai said all dilapidated roads were being inspected and repair work was underway. “We are committed to ensuring citizens’ safety and convenience,” she added.
