Cement road project in Civil Lines draws residents’ ire

 

 

 

A cement road currently under construction by the Public Works Department (PWD) in Civil Lines area, opposite the Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall, has triggered strong resentment among local residents, who have called the project unnecessary and a clear misuse of public funds. Residents point out that the stretch is located in one of the city’s most well-developed areas, with no history of drainage problems and roads that are already in good condition. Routine maintenance has ensured that minor wear and tear is addressed regularly, and a complete reconstruction difficult to justify. Locals argue that the project does not respond to any civic need and instead, reflects poor prioritisation. According to residents, the decision to lay cement roads appears driven by visibility rather than necessity.

 

“Cement roads are being constructed in prominent areas simply because they are seen,” said Shweta Naik, a resident. “This road does not experience heavy vehicular traffic, nor does it require the load-bearing strength of a cement or concrete surface. It seems that there is no technical planning or proper identification done before selecting a road to be cemented,” said Naik. Residents note that cement road projects, which should ideally be completed within 15 to 30 days, often stretch into six or seven months, sometimes even longer, claimed Mohd Asaf Qureshi, another daily commuter from the area.

 

In fact, in the same area under the same authority, a cement road construction from Raja-Rani Chowk up till the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual Property Management took over seven months to complete. “Roads take months to complete. Then on top of that, the pavements are left incomplete for a few more months. When they are constructed, trees are choked. Then the entire pavement is dug up again to dechoke the trees. It seems the authorities believe that taxpayer money is a bottomless wallet,” said Qureshi.

 

Residents complained that interior lanes in area have been in a terrible state for years, with potholes and worn-out, uneven surfaces, yet no steps are taken. “Money is being spent where it is not required, while bad roads are ignored year after year,” another resident remarked. Residents said that public funds should be directed towards neglected internal roads and essential infrastructure than cosmetic projects in already well-serviced areas.