For over two-and-a-half years, the areas around Agrasen Chowk have been severely affected by the mismanaged construction of the overhead flyover. What was intended as an infrastructure development, instead has resulted in prolonged disruption, unsafe conditions, and mounting public frustration. One side of the primary road at Agrasen Chowk going towards Kamal Chowk has been blocked, forcing all traffic onto a narrow, uneven strip on the other side. Itwari is already one of the city’s most congested zones due to the dense commercial activity and narrow streets. With half the road rendered unusable, daily traffic jams have become routine. The open side of the road is riddled with potholes and has worn out, making it difficult and unsafe for drivers, particularly two-wheeler riders, to travel through. The hazards extend beyond just congestion.

 

Two large pits dug at the square have been left completely unbarricaded, devoid of any warning signs either. Stagnant green water has accumulated in them, with underground cables and wiring visibly submerged. This presents serious risks of electrocution and accidental falls. Locals also expressed concern that these pits with stagnant water may become breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes, escalating the risk of diseases. Not only is the area not drivable, it is no longer walkable either. The entire area has become a safety hazard as people are forced to navigate already narrow roads that now pose the additional risk of debris on one side and traffic on the other. Even the road near Daga Memorial Hospital, one of the major hospitals in the city, mainly serving pregnant women, is facing the brunt of the horrendous condition of the road.

 

‘The Hitavada’ has raised the issue regularly, but to no avail. On the contrary, the condition of the road has gone from bad to worse, so much so that even walking becomes impossible in some instances. “Apart from the risk, the condition of the road is beyond deplorable,” said one local resident. “It is so irritating that I do not even feel like leaving my house anymore. We have been looking at the same mess for about three years now, and nothing seems to change.” Another commuter alleged that he lost control of his bike during the rainy season due to the uneven surface and was injured in the fall. Further down the road near Tabla Market, a separate pavement construction is creating additional problems.

 

Contractors have dumped construction materials directly onto the road without any barricading. The obstruction narrows the path further and poses a significant risk of skidding to pedestrians. One shopkeeper mentioned, “If anyone slips here, they could easily end up cracking their head open.” The overall situation reflects a troubling lack of planning and accountability. Residents urge authorities to secure the pits, remove debris, repair the operational stretch, and expedite the flyover construction before the mismanagement results in a major tragedy.