Battling potholes, not traffic frustrating citizens: Daily struggle on Vayusena Nagar-Wadi link road

 

 

 

One of city’s most crucial connecting roads has deteriorated so severely that commuters describe the daily journey as nothing less than fighting a war before reaching work. The 1.2 km route alongside the Air Force Museum, Kachimet, has become a nightmare for residents, students, office-goers and defence personnel who depend on it. This is the only direct link between Vayusena Nagar, Dabha and Wadi-Amravati Highway near Maruti Seva. Over the past months, large potholes, continuous erosion and broken road edges have turned the stretch into a hazard zone. Motorists are forced to zigzag between deep pits, often dodging them at the last second to avoid damage to their vehicles. Two-wheeler riders struggle the most, with riders losing balance frequently due to loose gravel and sharp-edged potholes. “It feels like riding on a battlefield.

 

For a change, I look for stable ground, not for traffic,” Sameer Bhagat said, a daily commuter who uses the route for work. The road’s condition worsens at night, as low visibility makes it nearly impossible to identify deeper pits. Several vehicles have reportedly suffered broken suspensions, punctured tyres and under body damage. For emergency vehicles, including ambulances, this stretch poses a major delay risk, which raises fear of preventable tragedies. Adding to the concern, the Air Force Museum is a site that attracts families, senior citizens and children.

 

The current state of the road not only discourages visitors, but also creates safety hazards for pedestrians who often have no choice but to walk on eroded edges. Residents claim that despite multiple complaints, no significant repair work has begun. With heavy residential activity in Dabha and increasing traffic towards Wadi, locals argue that this link road should have been upgraded long ago. Citizens are now urging Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Public Works Department (PWD) to take immediate action, citing urgent need for resurfacing, proper drainage and long-term maintenance. “How long must commuters risk their vehicles and their lives? This is basic infrastructure,” a local shopkeeper questioned. Until authorities respond, the daily struggle continues to dodge one pothole at a time.