Exposed wires on Damoria Flyover pose serious threat to commuters
As rain continues to lash the city for the third consecutive day, turning several areas into waterlogged zones, a new danger is lurking on Damoria Flyover — exposed electric wires hanging from streetlight poles, posing a serious threat to the safety of commuters.
The flyover, one of the busiest routes connecting various parts of the city, has turned into a risky passage due to multiple electric poles along its stretch having open or dangling wires. The ongoing rainfall has only heightened the danger, with wet surfaces and rising water levels increasing the risk of electrocution.
While many areas in the city remain inundated, including Model Town, BMC Chowk, Jyoti Chowk and Maqsudan, — Damoria Flyover — meant to ease traffic movement during such disruptions —is now under the scanner for potentially turning into a death trap. Several two-wheeler riders and pedestrians navigating the flyover on foot have expressed concern over the risk of coming in contact with live wires.
“This is not just negligence; it’s playing with lives,” said Gurpreet Singh, a daily commuter who uses the flyover for going to work place. “At night, when visibility is low and the road is slippery, anyone could brush against these wires and get electrocuted,” he said.
The exposed wires, some hanging loosely from poles and others lying dangerously close to the edge, are the result of unmonitored or incomplete electrical repair work. With no warning signs, barricades or insulation measures in place, the situation poses a direct threat, especially during downpours when electric current can easily pass through water.
Despite repeated appeals from residents and social media users tagging the Municipal Corporation and the Electricity Department, no significant action has been taken so far in this connection. The area lacks basic safety audits and streetlight maintenance has remained neglected for months, residents say.
Meanwhile, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more rain in the coming days, residents are urging the authorities to respond before a serious incident occurs. “This is the kind of negligence that only gets attention after a tragedy,” said Anjali Sharma, a student who uses the flyover regularly.
Residents have demanded immediate inspection and repair of the exposed wiring, warning that delays could prove fatal. With urban flooding already disrupting daily life, the added threat of electrocution from exposed wires has made the flyover a symbol of administrative apathy during the monsoon.
Jalandhar