LUCKNOW: A few few days ago, 29-year-old software developer Divyam Shukla fractured his right hand after his scooter skidded on Lucknow University campus 2 road in Jankipuram. Shukla said the road was broken and pebbles were scattered all over the place.
Shukla is not the only one. Many residents shared similar unpleasant experiences during a TOI reality check that found roads in Jankipuram and Jankipuram Extension—the localities house more than 10 lakh population—in pitiable condition. Not just main roads but bylanes and inner colony lanes were also dilapidated with loose gravel. Residents complain that the condition of roads has been unchanged for three years.
While inner colony roads of Jankipuram are under the jurisdiction of Lucknow Municipal Corporation, Jankipuram Extension comes under Lucknow Development Authority.
Shivam Saxena of Jankipuram sector H said, “I avoid taking this route at night as my bike skids through gravel. Once I had lost control and ended up falling on the road, injuring myself badly.”
In sector B, Kuldeep Srivastava said, “Commuting becomes risky on these stretches especially at night with kids on my bike.”
The condition is worse in Jankipuram Extension. The stretch from Engineering College crossing to Lucknow University second campus and Sahara Estates is in tatters.
Varun Jaswani said, “We have complained to the authorities several times, taken out a protest march and even lodged our grievance on the government portal, but no efforts have been made to repair the roads.”
Mayur Sinha of sector 8 said, “Apart from potholes, dust on these roads is also a major problem. I have dust allergy and cannot cross this stretch without a mask. Even after that, my breathing is affected.”
Shivangi Rathore, a resident sector 5, said, “There are no potholes on roads, but roads in potholes. With no proper streetlights in the area, the situation becomes worse during late evening and night.”
Roads in adjoining areas like Tedhi Pulia, near Engineering College, Kursi Road and university route and IIM Road are also badly damaged, posing a risk to commuters.