Potholes & promises: Upper Palampur’s lifeline in shambles

The Dharman-Kandwari road, considered the lifeline of upper Palampur, is in a severe state of disrepair, drawing strong criticism from residents and commuters. The road connects Dharam, Kandwari, Saiparu and over a dozen villages and falls under the category of rural roads maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD). A 4-km stretch of this vital route has been riddled with potholes for months, with no sign of bitumen. Despite repeated complaints, the PWD appears unmoved, leaving the road to deteriorate further. Shopkeepers along the roadside say they’re also bearing the brunt. “Dust and flying stones have not only affected our health but are also keeping customers away. Sometimes, we fear stones might even break our windows when vehicles pass,” said one shop owner. Vijay Kumar, a resident of Kandwari, pointed out that the road was last repaired four years ago. “We’ve raised the issue many times with authorities, but no action has been taken,” he added. Speaking to media on Monday, Navi Thakur, Zila Parishad Member, highlighted that the road witnesses heavy traffic daily, with commuters travelling to Palampur, Baijnath and Dharamsala. “Accidents are frequent. The PWD blames lack of funds, but this excuse no longer holds. I appeal to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene personally and sanction funds for its repair,” she said. A senior PWD official, when contacted, admitted the road’s condition was poor. “We’ve submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for the road’s strengthening and widening. Approval is awaited. Once funds are released, the work will commence,” he said. Residents also criticised the government for failing to deliver on promises made during the 2022 Assembly elections, particularly the commitment by Congress leaders to prioritise road infrastructure. “Things have only gone from bad to worse. This road has become dangerous to travel on,” said a group of Kandwari locals. The continued neglect of the Dharman-Kandwari road not only hampers daily commuting but also poses serious safety risks. Locals now await concrete action from both the PWD and the state government to restore this critical rural lifeline.

Himachal Tribune