A severely damaged and uncovered stormwater drain at Maharajbag Square has transformed a prominent city junction into a dangerous stretch. It is repeatedly endangering two-wheeler riders and cyclists and triggering a series of near-fatal mishaps. The exposed drain, running along the carriageway near Maharajbag Lawn and Jawaharlal Nehru Krushi Mahavidyalaya gate, has dislodged and missing metal grates, leaving behind sharp edges, uneven metal strips, and deep gaps that directly affect the flow of traffic. Maharajbag Square is one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in the city, witnessing uninterrupted movement of two-wheelers, bicycles, auto-rickshaws, city buses, and private vehicles throughout the day.

 

The damaged drain lies precisely where vehicles slow down, turn, or edge closer to the side of the road near the signal. For riders, even a slight drift of tyres toward the exposed section causes sudden imbalance, with several riders reportedly skidding or losing control while crossing the stretch. Two-wheeler riders stated that scooters and motorcycles frequently wobble when tyres strike the bent metal plates or slip into the uneven cavity created by the collapsed grating. Cyclists face an even graver risk, as narrow tyres can easily sink into the open drain or slide over accumulated debris. The remaining metal grates appear warped and misaligned, which forms jagged ridges instead of a stable surface. This distorted structure turns the road edge into a trap, particularly during peak traffic hours when congestion pushes two-wheelers closer to the margins.

 

Commuters reported multiple near-miss incidents each day, with some riders falling and others narrowly escaping serious injury only because following vehicles managed to halt in time. The threat becomes heavy during early mornings, late evenings, when the exposed drain becomes difficult to detect. During monsoon, the situation is expected to worsen significantly, as waterlogging could conceal the open drain entirely. Beyond the immediate risk to life and limb, the condition of the drain reflects sustained neglect at a location frequented by students, office-goers, morning walkers, and visitors. Accumulation of waste inside the channel not only obstructs water flow but also heightens the likelihood of flooding, foul odour, and further structural deterioration.