Reaching Durgiana Temple an uphill task

Neeraj Bagga
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, November 30

The stretch between the Hathi Gate and railway station has been crying for attention. Numerous religious and public places fall on this stretch, including Durgiana Temple, Gol Bagh and railway station.

Swapan Kumar, a shopkeeper, said, “From the last six months, the stretch is in tatters. Vehicle using this stretch leave a trail of dust storm. ” He said, “Our sales have dipped sharply as the road has been further dug up for beautification. Commuters have started avoiding this stretch, thus affecting our earnings.”

The potholed stretch offers a bumpy ride and often leads to breakdown of vehicles.

Mohit Ohri, a resident, said, “The authorities concerned should repair the stretch at the earliest. At some spots, rainwater accumulates during monsoon.” He said, “A large number of children visit amusement park and skating rink daily at Gol Bagh. Besides people from far-flung areas visit an asharam to practise yoga. As a result, vehicular movement is extremely high on this stretch.”

Harish Taneja, secretary, Durgiana Temple, said a major portion of the road had been dug up as a part of the beautification project around the temple. He said they had asked the Amritsar Improvement Trust to complete the project at the earliest.

Dinesh Bassi, chairman, Amritsar Improvement Trust, said, “The civil work is currently underway. New road will be constructed once the civil work gets completed.”

He said lamp posts had and red-sandstone pavements were installed on the stretch.