Hubballi's Model TenderSure Road Left In The Dark For Over A Year
The TenderSure Road in Hubballi, once celebrated as a model urban development, has been shrouded in darkness for more than a year due to severe neglect by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). This critical corridor, stretching from Arts College to Tolankere, was designed to enhance safety and walkability but has instead become a hazardous passage for residents and commuters, especially after sunset.
Infrastructure Failure and Safety Risks
Originally opened to the public in 2018, TenderSure Road was promoted as an upgraded urban thoroughfare with modern amenities, including improved drainage, pedestrian-friendly footpaths, and advanced street lighting. However, the absence of routine maintenance and enforcement has led to a rapid deterioration of these features. The road is equipped with 72 streetlights on each side of the footpaths and an additional 72 lights in the median, but only a handful of the median lights are operational, while most remain non-functional.
The footpath lights, essential for pedestrian visibility and safety, have also failed consistently, creating dark patches that significantly increase the risk of accidents. This lighting failure has been compounded by encroachments on the footpaths, where pushcarts, vendors, and informal parking have forced pedestrians onto the carriageway. With streetlights out of service, motorists face reduced visibility, and pedestrians have limited safe space, exacerbating the danger.
Civic Neglect and Public Outcry
Mahesh Burli, the former corporator of the area, has voiced strong criticism against HDMC officials for their inaction. "Citizens are not asking for new projects or fresh promises; they are demanding basic civic responsibility," Burli stated. He alleged that despite numerous reminders, HDMC officials failed to address complaints about the non-functioning streetlights for nearly a year or more, delaying crucial repairs and ignoring public safety concerns.
Burli emphasized that at night, the roads are only visible due to moving vehicles, while footpaths remain poorly lit. He called for immediate action to restore all streetlights, clear encroachments, and implement regular maintenance to bring TenderSure Road back to its intended standard. "HDMC must act immediately to fix the lighting system and protect the footpaths before the situation worsens further," he added.
Official Response and Future Plans
In response to the growing criticism, Rudresh Ghali, Commissioner of HDMC, acknowledged the issue. "We are aware of the problem. As we were waiting for the implementation of the LED project, the replacement of LED lights was not carried out. Now that the LED lights project has been implemented in the city, we will prioritize replacing streetlights on all major roads with LED lights," Ghali explained.
This statement highlights a bureaucratic delay that left TenderSure Road in darkness, underscoring the need for more proactive governance. The prolonged failure of streetlights not only reflects poor infrastructure management but also raises questions about HDMC's commitment to public safety and urban upkeep.
Broader Implications for Urban Development
The situation on TenderSure Road serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining urban infrastructure in Indian cities. Key issues include:
- Lack of Routine Maintenance: Without consistent upkeep, even model projects can quickly deteriorate.
- Encroachment Problems: Unchecked encroachments on footpaths compromise pedestrian safety and walkability.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Waiting for larger projects like LED implementation can lead to prolonged neglect of existing issues.
- Public Safety Concerns: Non-functional streetlights increase accident risks and reduce overall quality of life.
As HDMC moves forward with its LED project, residents hope for swift action to illuminate TenderSure Road and restore its status as a safe, pedestrian-friendly corridor. The case underscores the urgent need for civic authorities to prioritize maintenance and responsiveness to ensure urban infrastructure serves its intended purpose effectively.
