Doraha-Neelon road in shambles, public outcry grows

The Doraha-Neelon stretch is no longer fit for vehicles to ply on, thanks to the indifferent attitude of the successive governments which have done little to ease the discomfort and exasperation of the commuters.

This road is taken by thousands of vehicles, ranging from two-wheelers to heavy commercial vehicles. The condition of the road has worsened to the extent that it is no less than a death trap, especially for two-wheelers, due to the absence of any recarpeting coupled with poor maintenance.

The road is in an ever pitiable condition. With the passage of time, it has come to the extent of causing slipped disc, bone injuries and in some cases even fracture, of which the commuters generally complain of. “The jerks suffered by the commuters, especially the sick and the aged, are simply unbearable. But none cares for the public, which is always at the receiving end,” expressed Jandeep Kaushal of Doraha.

Said Jagjiwan Pal Singh Gill of Doraha in anger, “The broken dusty stretch has made the life of commuters hell. It is an extremely uncomfortable ride and the situation is such that no one but only those in great need take this road. The rain wreaks further havoc as the holes, filled with rainwater; prove no less than a death trap for the commuters.”

The villagers complain that the monsoon multiplies their woes manifold. “When it rains, the slipperiness of the road puts many commuters in an unenviable position. While four-wheelers move in a zigzag manner due to the slippery road, two-wheeler drivers have in a number of cases invited trouble. The problem gets aggravated at night because of reduced visibility and poor judgement,” said Lal Singh Mangat of village Begowal.

“The risk multiplies as night approaches. There are no indicators at the place where the supports are missing. One can well imagine the road-worthiness of the stretch where the edges have begun to erode due to the deteriorating condition of the road,” shared Dr Nirlep Deol, who commutes daily on this road.

The level crossing on the stretch is no less than a nail in the coffin as it is seldom in a working condition. On the one hand, commuters are fed up with the broken road, while on the other, the frequent breakdown in the crossing only helps in making them all the more outrageous,” shared Arshdeep Singh of village Ghulal.

Commuters rue that the authorities had been informed several times about the sorry state of affairs but every time the matter has been left unattended. The town dwellers as well as the villagers are now eagerly looking to the speedy recarpeting of the road by the authorities. Several times the issue has been highlighted through the media but to no avail. But for temporary patch-up here and there, no constructive change has taken place all through these years.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Payal, Pardeep Bains, when contacted, said the department is continuously in touch with the PWD and Railways and a solution will soon be found.

Ludhiana