Smooth ride on cards…but for how long?

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 4

The civic authorities have finally swung into action after The Tribune’s repeated coverage of the poor condition of roads in these columns.

The Tribune has been running a campaign for over a fortnight to highlight the poor condition of roads in the district, after which repairs on most of the roads have started.

Repeated complaints about the miserable condition of roads to the Municipal Corporation (MC) authorities were made by residents in the past, but to no avail. They said it was difficult to commute on pothole-ridden stretches. Many a time, vigilant residents have taken it upon themselves to highlight the pathetic condition of roads on social media platforms pointing out the deplorable condition of different stretches, where travelling was nothing short of a nightmare.

The MC officials, on Wednesday, however, informed that the construction work on almost all busy roads had been initiated and on some of the roads, potholes have already been covered.

Rajneesh Dogra, Corporation Engineer (B&R), said: “At present, the contractors are recarpeting only busy roads and the ones near residential areas will be repaired in a phased manner. While the construction at the Patel Chowk-Mahiran Gate Road began during the lockdown, the construction work in subsequent lanes has also started. The road leading to the railway station from Domoria Overbridge has also been kept open for traffic. Likewise, we have planned to cover a large number of roads by the end of this year.”

Residents at Model Town can now heave a sigh of relief, as potholes that had troubled them for the last several months have been repaired and recarpeting was in progress on other internal roads as well, claimed Dogra. Likewise, he said, commuters would now expect a smooth ride from Guru Ravidas Chowk to Telephone Chowk. Amid the repair work initiated by the civic body, the quality of concrete used on the road is, however, a major concern among residents.

Roads ready for traffic

Rajneesh Dogra, Corporation Engineer (B&R), said roads that were ready for traffic after recarpeting are Model House, Ghai Nagar to Kala Sanghian Road, Master Tara Singh Nagar Road, stretch opposite Kamal Palace, Ladhewali to Chohakan Road, Nangal Shama to Chugitti Bypass Road, Guru Nanak Pura Railway Crossing to Ladowali Road, BSF Chowk to PAP Chowk and Guru Gobind Singh Avenue Road. In addition, concrete has been laid on the Ladowali-Railway Station road (in pic left), Garha-Jalandhar Cantt Road, Focal Point among others and only levelling was left, he said.

Residentspeak

In many cases, it has been observed that even though the roads get repaired, the poor quality of material and concrete comes off within a few months, especially when it rains. — Mohit Rubal, a city resident

It’s good that the MC has eventually paid heed to our complaints. Being one of the prominent and posh areas of the city, one can’t expect it to have damaged roads. It always remained an ordeal to cross roads, especially during the monsoon season. Apart from filling the potholes, the authorities should maintain these routinely. — Archit Manocha, a resident of Green Model Town

Officialspeak

At present, the contractors are recarpeting only busy roads and the ones near residential areas will be repaired in a phased manner. While the construction at the Patel Chowk-Mahiran Gate Road began during the lockdown, the construction work in subsequent lanes has also started. The road leading to the railway station from Domoria Overbridge has also been kept open for traffic. Likewise, we have planned to cover a large number of roads by the end of this year. — Rajneesh Dogra, Corporation Engineer (B&R)