Driving on Amritsar Bypass Highway Becomes Perilous Due to Potholes and Deteriorated Edges
Commuting along National Highway No. 1, specifically the Amritsar bypass section, has transformed into a hazardous endeavor for daily travelers. Despite paying substantial toll fees, drivers are confronted with two primary dangers: service lanes riddled with deep potholes and the worn-out, unstable edges of the main highway. This deteriorating infrastructure not only compromises vehicle safety but also elevates the risk of severe accidents, putting countless lives in jeopardy every day.
Local Residents Forced into Dangerous DIY Repairs Amid Official Inaction
In the absence of timely intervention from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), residents and commuters have taken matters into their own hands. They have resorted to dumping soil and debris from highway dividers into the gaping potholes on service roads, a temporary fix that has inadvertently reduced the divider's height. Additionally, to avoid the treacherous service lanes, locals have created illegal "cuts" or access points, allowing vehicles to merge directly onto the high-speed main highway. This ad-hoc solution, however, introduces new risks, as sudden merges can lead to catastrophic collisions.
Expert Warnings and Commuter Testimonies Highlight Escalating Crisis
Pawan Luther, a local activist, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Vehicles suddenly entering the highway from these cuts are on a suicide mission, given that speeds range from 80 to 100 km per hour." Seema Sharma, a parent whose child attends CJS Public School, shared her ordeal: "The potholes are so massive that our scooters frequently sustain damage. To save time, people dangerously cross dividers onto the highway, urging immediate administrative action to prevent a major accident." These accounts underscore the urgent need for repairs to avert potential tragedies.
Broken Drainage Systems and Lack of Maintenance Compound Risks
Compounding the issue is the non-functional drainage channels along the highway. Although NHAI initiated some repair work approximately two months ago, it was abruptly halted, leaving gaps in the channels. During nighttime, drivers struggle to discern these broken portions, risking falls into service lanes that sit three to four feet lower. Surinder Saini, a member of the Jalandhar Road Safety Committee, reported that Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal has warned NHAI officials of accountability for any accidents stemming from negligence. While the municipal corporation has drained water from the channels, critical tasks like tiling, installing streetlights, and placing signages at black spots remain pending.
Systemic Failures in Road Safety Oversight
Despite mandates for monthly meetings, the Road Safety Committee has not convened for the past two months, failing to submit proceedings to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This lapse in oversight exacerbates the infrastructure decay, leaving commuters vulnerable. The combined effects of recent rainfall and heavy vehicle traffic have further degraded service roads between Jalandhar and Amritsar, highlighting a systemic failure in maintenance and safety protocols. Immediate and comprehensive action by NHAI is imperative to restore safe commuting conditions on this vital national artery.
