GUWAHATI: A damaged stretch of road at a crucial turning on Guwahati's Rajgarh Road, directly opposite Niramoy Diagnostic Centre, is raising concerns among commuters and local businesses, who fear that the deteriorating condition of the road could eventually lead to a major accident.
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The damaged section, marked by loose gravel, an uneven surface and a noticeable depression, lies at a busy junction where vehicles frequently turn onto the main road. Locals say the location of the damage makes it particularly hazardous, especially for two-wheelers.
According to Arup Baruah, a pharmacist in the area,"There is a water pipeline underneath this stretch and it keeps leaking. The PWD carries out temporary repairs from time to time, but no permanent solution has been implemented so far," Baruah told GPlus.
Residents allege that while the road is periodically patched, the recurring leakage continues to weaken the surface, causing the damaged section to reappear.
A commuter who regularly uses the route highlighted the dangers posed by the road's condition. "The damaged portion is located right at the turning. Because of the loose pebbles and the uneven surface, vehicles can easily skid here. Wrong-side driving is also common in this area, which further increases the risk of accidents," he told GPlus.
"I witness several minor accidents and near-misses here almost every day. Are we waiting for a major accident to happen before this road is repaired properly?" asked a vendor operating nearby.
What makes the issue particularly alarming is that the damaged patch is situated at a point where motorists are already negotiating turns, entering traffic, or slowing down to access nearby establishments.
The uneven surface often forces drivers to alter their course abruptly, creating additional risks in an area that experiences steady vehicular movement.
The situation also raises a broader question about urban infrastructure maintenance. Residents argue that repeated temporary fixes offer little relief when the underlying cause remains unaddressed. Until the leaking pipeline is repaired and the road reconstructed properly, they fear the stretch will continue to pose a danger to commuters.
GPlus attempted to contact officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) regarding the issue but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
