Pothole-ridden stretch disrupts daily life; villagers warn of protests if no action is taken
Published on: January 07, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The crucial Singhola–Karmatra–Chhuikhadan–Khursipar road, which serves as a lifeline for several villages in Rajnandgaon district, is currently in a severely dilapidated condition, causing immense hardship to commuters. The road is riddled with deep potholes at multiple locations, while roadside drainage systems have collapsed, allowing wastewater to spill onto the carriageway and worsen the damage.
This route is a major connector for nearby rural areas, used daily by villagers, students commuting to schools and colleges, farmers transporting agricultural produce, and patients travelling to hospitals. Due to the poor condition of the road, routine activities have been badly affected. After rainfall, potholes fill with water, making it difficult to assess road depth and condition. As a result, two-wheeler riders frequently skid and suffer injuries, while four-wheelers incur repeated damage.
Residents say that travelling on this road at night is particularly dangerous. Poor visibility combined with hidden potholes significantly increases the risk of accidents. Vehicles often break down, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Despite the seriousness of the issue, neither temporary repairs nor permanent solutions have been initiated so far.
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Local villagers claim they have repeatedly informed concerned departments and public representatives through applications, memorandums, and verbal complaints. However, the condition of the road remains unchanged. Prolonged neglect has led to growing resentment among residents, who allege that elected representatives are ignoring this pressing public issue.
The affected communities have urged public representatives and the district administration to take immediate cognisance of the matter. They emphasised that merely filling potholes will not suffice. Instead, they are demanding complete reconstruction of the road, construction of durable drainage channels, and a permanent water-disposal system to prevent recurring damage.
Villagers have warned that if swift action is not taken, they will be compelled to launch a protest. They have demanded that, in the interest of public safety and convenience, the Singhola–Karmatra–Chhuikhadan road be taken up on priority and comprehensive repair and reconstruction work be initiated at the earliest to prevent accidents and provide relief to thousands of commuters.
