They call it a road, but is it one?

Tribune News Service

Zirakpur, November 4

Pabhat Road is just the name of an area; there is no road here, not even a semblance of a road. Residents here chuckle at any mention of the road.

One of the busiest stretches, catering to thousands of residents of the area, is in such a dilapidated condition that it is difficult to find even a minor patch of metalled road here.

Dust, potholes, gravel and litter are strewn all along this 2-km stretch. The grapevine has it that the construction work of the “road” has been inaugurated six to seven times, twice in the past couple of months, by local politicians. However, the work comes to a standstill after a day or two.

“The Municipal Council elections are round the corner; hence, the inaugurations. Once the elections are over, it will be back to square one,” said Kishori Lal, a shopkeeper.

In most places, the inter-locking tiles have come off, creating huge craters, which pose a grave danger to two-wheeler riders. A resident said it took 10 to 15 minutes to cover a stretch of 2 km on this track.

“Think of the elderly and patients, who have to use the road in an emergency situation,” said BK Sharma, a retired defence personnel and local resident. Localites said the “lackadaisical attitude” of the MC and “excessive interference” of local politicians was the main reason behind the stalled project.

MC officials have a common refrain that the tendering process has been completed and the work will begin soon.

‘One of the busiest stretches’

• One of the busiest stretches, catering to thousands of residents of the area, Pabhat Road is in such a dilapidated condition that it is difficult to find even a minor patch of metalled road here
• Dust, potholes, gravel and litter are strewn all along this 2-km stretch
• The work on the “road” has been inaugurated six to seven times, twice in the past couple of months, by local politicians. However, it comes to a standstill after a day or two