Ludhiana: 3 years on, Sector 32-A road still in poor state

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 7

The Police Colony Chowk to Sector 32-A road is in a shambles for the past more than three years. The authorities concerned are yet to ensure the safety of commuters even after occurrence of a number of accidents on the dilapidated stretch.

When residents had raised questions over the dilapidated condition of the road in 2019, elected representatives had then assured that the road would be reconstructed once a sewer line for the industry was installed. The sewer line was already laid but the road has not been reconstructed till date, leaving the commuters in the lurch.

It is one of the posh areas under the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA). The residents said several people, including children, received injuries in road mishaps due to the poor condition of the road.

A resident of Sector 32-A on Chandigarh Road, Jatinder Verma, said: “In September this year, the authorities had made a claim that the work would be started soon but nothing has been done at the ground level till date. Accidents often take place on the badly broken stretch.”

“Many students pass through the dilapidated stretch while going to a nearby school. People are being forced to suffer for a long time as the main road has not been reconstructed despite our repeated demands,” he said.

Another resident of Sector 32-A said: “The condition of the road had turned worse during the previous rainy season. Big potholes were being ignored for three years. The public had also suffered when the sewer-related work was going on the road. Now, the sewer related work has been completed. The department concerned should ensure reconstruction of the road without any further delay.”

Ludhiana East MLA Sanjay Talwar said: “The dyeing association had got a sewer line installed and they were supposed to get the road construction work done after completion of the sewer work. But, the dyeing association concerned did not get the road reconstructed due to which the road work has got delayed. Now, GLADA would reconstruct the road soon.”

A GLADA official had stated last month that the file was sent to the higher authorities for required approval to float tenders. However, the GLADA SDO concerned could not be contacted for comments today.

Assurance given in 2019 but work not done

When residents had raised questions over the dilapidated condition of Police Colony Chowk to Sector 32-A road in 2019, elected representatives had then assured that the stretch will be reconstructed once a sewer line for the industry is installed. The sewer line was laid but the road has not been reconstructed till date, leaving the commuters in the lurch.