‘Killer road’ sparks protest in Adda Ishpur

A protest was held at Adda Ishpur under the leadership of Labour Party president Jai Gopal Dhiman, drawing attention to the deteriorating condition of the Garhshankar-Mehtiana road via Kot Fatuhi. Constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the road has become a growing concern for residents due to its alarming lack of safety measures.

Addressing the protesters, Dhiman accused the state government of negligence, highlighting that the absence of safety railings along several parts of the road has led to repeated accidents. “In many stretches, there’s barely a one-foot gap between the road and the adjoining canal,” he said. “This is an accident waiting to happen — and it already has, many times over.”

Dhiman further pointed out that from Mehtiana to Amadpur, where safety railings are in place, drivers feel secure. But the rest of the road, he claimed, has been deliberately overlooked. He demanded a vigilance inquiry into suspected corruption in the road construction project and questioned why vital safety features like traffic signs, guardrails and warning boards were not installed, despite approved funding.

“The embankments that once lined the canal are missing,” he said. “Now villagers call this stretch a ‘killer road.’ Walking or driving here, especially at night, feels like gambling with your life.”

Dhiman has submitted a formal complaint to the Prime Minister’s Office, urging a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities and misuse of public funds. The protest also aimed to raise public awareness about road safety and hold officials accountable for endangering lives.

Jalandhar