While underground pipeline work on the road stretch from the ‘Samata’ Judges’ Bungalow to the CP Club area near Ravi Nagar Government quarters has been completed, but the poor quality of road restoration has left commuters to travel through unsafe roads. The stretch was closed for nearly a month in January for pipeline-related work. Although the project has been completed, the road has been restored improperly, according to citizens. The dug-up portion has been covered with cement with no finishing, while the remaining road continues to be riddled with potholes. A spot visit by ‘The Hitavada’ found large amounts of loose gravel scattered across the road, making it particularly hazardous for two-wheeler riders.

 

The newly-laid cement patch is also uneven, which could cause motorists to lose balance. The stretch had already been in poor condition for years, from Ahimsa Square right up to Telangkhedi Hanuman Mandir. Multiple complaints over the years have reportedly gotten little attention from the authorities. As the area is home to various administrative offices, ‘The Hitavada’ spoke to a few officials who recounted falls and near-misses while travelling through the road at night. As the monsoon approaches, residents fear the condition of the road could lead to serious accidents. Mukesh Ahire, a local resident, said, “The area is very green and beautiful, but road is in a terrible condition now. Because of the dense tree cover, there is very little street lighting at night, making it unsafe for women.” Shweta Marathe, a Civil Lines resident, said she has become increasingly hesitant to visit the area for evening walks.

 

She recalled that she and her sister once felt unsafe after encountering a group of young men consuming alcohol near a cluster of trees along the dark stretch. Residents have urged the NMC to undertake proper reconstruction of the entire road instead of temporary patchwork.