Lack of illumination on the Sadar fly-over due to non-functioning streetlights is troubling commuters in the night hours. Whereas, taking advantage of the darkness, drinkers enjoy liquor on the fly-over seen multiple times. Shrihari Daoo, a daily user of the fly-over and a resident of Zingabai Takli, said that the streetlights were not functioning for several weeks and the administration had turned a blind eye to the issue. “Darkness on the fly-over is a big issue for commuters who regularly use it.

 

High-beam projector lights of cars coming from the opposite side add to the discomfort for commuters on daily basis,” said Daoo, while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’. Ashutosh Deshpande, another daily commuter, claimed, “Drinkers are often spotted on the fly-over near Y-point. They hide at the dark spots and consume liquor and throw bottles on the fly-over. It is difficult to understand what the police patrol is doing. The Sadar Police must act on these illicit activities quickly,” Deshpande demands. “For women, it is very scary to negotiate the fly-over during night. It becomes uncomfortable and dangerous for women to ply on the fly-over during night hours,” said Faustina James. Sadar fly-over was a faster way of reaching Mankapur from RBI Square, but for the last few months, it has become a dark spot with frequent accidents and a chowpaty to relax and a shady spot for anti-social elements who enjoy liquor during night hours. Sadar fly-over streetlight failure is a major concern for citizens as many people go back home after their late night shifts.

 

Many of them become victims of the liquor bottles and cans thrown by some irresponsible citizens on the fly-over. To add to the woes of the commuters, high-beam of the oncoming vehicles causes mishaps involving even those plying in slow pace. Instead of providing relief to commuters, the Sadar flyover is now becoming a nightmare for many, specially during night hours. Non-functional streetlights, littered with liquor bottles and cans and rash driving by four-wheelers all these make the fly-over a dangerous spot in the city which should be addressed by the civic body and police too. The daily commuters express that urgent repair of the streetlights and increased police patrolling are needed to make safe commute on the fly-over. With monsoon approaching, the risk is likely to grow manifold. Will the authorities concerned act swiftly before any life is lost on the fly-over.