Residents of Transport Nagar in Ward-49 of Prayagraj Municipal Corporation have reported that rainfall has substantially increased difficulties in the area due to the poor condition of the main road. They said that even light rain leads to knee-deep waterlogging, making it difficult to distinguish the road from standing water.
According to local residents, waterlogging conceals deep potholes on the road, and pedestrians and two-wheeler riders frequently fall into them and sustain injuries.
Residents said the problem is not new and has persisted for about 35 years. They alleged that despite repeated complaints, no permanent solution has been implemented. According to them, the road was not properly restored after excavation, causing the entire stretch to become waterlogged whenever it rains.
During the rainy season, schoolchildren, elderly people, women and office commuters face the greatest inconvenience. Residents said many people are unable to judge the location of water-filled potholes and lose their balance, resulting in falls.
Local shopkeepers said waterlogging has affected customer movement, impacting their business.
Residents also identified the encroachment by heavy vehicles as a major cause of traffic congestion. They said trucks and other heavy vehicles parked along the roadside narrow the carriageway, leading to long traffic queues during rainfall and waterlogging and leaving commuters stranded in congestion for hours.
Local citizens said they have repeatedly informed officials of the municipal corporation and the concerned departments about the issue, but only temporary repairs have been carried out. According to them, potholes are filled with मिट्टी or gravel after the rainy season, but the material is washed away during the next rainfall, leaving the problem unresolved.
Residents have demanded permanent reconstruction of the road, an improved drainage system and a special drive to remove encroachments. They said regular cleaning of drains and construction of the road in accordance with prescribed standards could substantially reduce the recurring problems during every rainy season.
Residents said the current condition is affecting daily life and continuously increasing the risk of road accidents. They expressed the expectation that the administration will implement a permanent solution so that people can travel safely and conveniently on the road, which they said has remained in poor condition for years.
