GUNTUR: Inordinate delay in restoration of dug up roads is proving harsh on the spinal strength of motorists at AT Agraharam in Guntur. Roads are dug up for laying of pipelines, but not restored even 15 days after the work is complete. Huge craters on thoroughfares are also causing traffic chaos. “The road which I usually take was dug up about a month ago for storm water drain works, and is yet to be repaired. We are forced to take a detour, which increases petrol consumption,” says K Suresh, a resident.
At many stretches in the locality, the improperly covered roads cause major traffic chaos. The road was dug up in the middle for water works a long time ago, and covered with gravel. Even after 15 days, it is yet to be restored, and being a busy stretch, it experiences severe traffic chaos.
“The road has been left like this for a few months now. It was a good road until it was dug up. Peak commuting hours witness severe traffic problems, and there have been instances of bikers falling down and cars getting flat tyres due to the residual soil and stones,” says Ahmed, a commuter.
Residents also say they were forced to park their cars far away from their homes due to dug-up roads. “The roads are so bad that I fear my new car will get damaged if I drive through these roads. I am forced to park my car at my friend’s place, which is around 150 meters away and walk to my home daily,” says R Nageswara Rao, another resident.
Dug-up roads spell despair for motorists
Dug up roads are proving to be a nightmare for denizens caught unawares
The road was dug up a few months ago, with no workers or officials seen at any time of the day, leaving the commuters to wonder if it would ever be completed
Improper planning and lack of coordination among different agencies who dug up roads are responsible for sorry state of affairs
Delay in restoration work turns several stretches in the locality into death traps
‘Expedite UGD works’
Guntur: District collector K Sasidhar held a review meeting on the progress of UGD works with GMC commissioner Ch Anuradha and other staff at the Collectorate here on Saturday. He directed the contractors to expedite UGD works.
Dusty roads a danger to denizens
The residents are being specifically warned to be wary of road dust. The extent of the menace can be gauged from the fact that fine to coarse road dust settles down in houses. In many localities one can see thick layers of road dust on vehicles parked outside. Shopkeepers in several areas complain of road dust affecting their business. In many places, shopkeepers have set up cloth and plastic curtains to avoid road dust entering their shops. Some have even set up air curtains. “Every morning I am forced to dust off almost everything in my shop. I cannot keep food grains and pulses in open bags,” said Mahesh, a shopkeeper, pointing out at the thick layer of dust that has settled on the floor.