The condition of roads in Bhopal is extremely poor after the monsoon. Despite spending 50 crore rupees, new roads are struggling with potholes and dust. PWD and BMC are only carrying out temporary repairs.
Bhopal: The first rain of the monsoon has once again exposed the poor condition of the city's roads. Major roads from Karaund to Kolar and Bairasiya to Bitten Market have been severely damaged due to the rain. Despite this, the Public Works Department (PWD) and Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) are only focusing on temporary pothole filling. Contractors are also consistently avoiding their three-year maintenance responsibility.
Difficulties for Commuters and Vehicle Owners due to Bad Roads
Several roads in the city have caused distress to the public this monsoon season. New concrete roads in the Rohini Nagar and Salaiya areas were washed away immediately after the rain, causing significant difficulties for commuters and vehicle owners. The situation of waterlogging on the roads followed by dust has made daily life even more challenging.
Local shopkeeper Rajiv Tiwari explained that potholes on the roads fill up with water during the rain. After the water dries up, the potholes get filled with dust and mud. This has made driving extremely difficult. Citizens have stated that 50 crore rupees were spent on road maintenance last year, but no concrete results have been achieved.
Increasing Troubles with Temporary Repairs
The temporary repairs being carried out by the BMC and PWD are also proving ineffective. Pothole filling is being done arbitrarily, causing the roads to be damaged again immediately after repair. Consequently, citizens are forced to travel on broken roads daily.
Experts suggest that the quality and materials used in road repairs are not being properly attended to. Along with filling potholes, attention needs to be paid to proper drainage and road strength. Due to the lack of these, the roads repeatedly break and become potholed.
Questions Raised on Maintenance Contracts
As per road construction rules, contractors are responsible for the maintenance of newly constructed roads for three years. However, in Bhopal, contractors are consistently evading this responsibility. As a result, repair work is proving to be temporary and ineffective.
Local citizens state that the BMC and PWD promise road repairs after every monsoon, but neither a systematic survey is conducted nor a concrete plan is formulated. In such a scenario, city residents are continuously struggling with the poor condition of the roads.
Concrete Steps Should Be Taken for Improvement
Experts and citizens suggest that a concrete plan should be made for road repair and maintenance. Instead of just filling potholes, focus must be on the overall strength and quality of the road. Improving the drainage system, inspecting road materials, and compelling contractors to fulfill their responsibilities are essential.
The demand of Bhopal city residents is that the BMC and PWD should not engage in mere cosmetic work. If this work is done concretely, the condition of the roads can be improved, and the safety of vehicles can be ensured.
