Vikas Sharma
JAMMU, June 18: Despite tall claims by the Government regarding development and infrastructure growth, the ground reality paints a starkly different picture, especially in the case of the severely deteriorated road stretch from the 4th Bridge at Bhagwati Nagar through Belicharana, Raipur to Mandal Phallian.
The pathetic condition of this crucial road serves as a glaring contradiction to official narratives of progress.
This road, which not only connects the border areas but also links with the vital Ring Road, holds significant strategic and civic importance.
However, it remained in a pitiable state for years, causing immense hardship to daily commuters and posing a serious threat to lives.
Adding to the woes, adjacent villages such as Rambag, Kulliyan and Gosain Chak are also affected by this negligence. Residents and vehicle operators alike have been enduring extreme inconvenience. The road has not seen macadamization for years and the situation has become progressively worse.
Commuting through this stretch, particularly during night hours, has become a nightmare. Even during the daytime, massive clouds of dust rise whenever a vehicle passes, reducing visibility and creating an unhealthy environment for locals. Deep potholes, uneven surfaces and complete lack of blacktopping have made the road accident-prone and dangerous.
Speaking to Excelsior, locals expressed deep anguish over the apathy of the authorities.
“The Belicharana to Mandal road is in its worst condition ever and has become a virtual death trap,” they said adding “Despite repeatedly raising the issue with concerned officials, no substantial action has been taken. The road continues to damage vehicles and endanger lives.”
“It’s been 25 years since we have been living here, and the condition of the road has never improved. There’s not been a single instance of blacktopping. Huge potholes are a permanent feature and remain ignored,” said Manohar Singh Chouhan, a local resident.
Another resident, Gourav Sharma said, “It’s a criminal negligence. The department concerned seems completely indifferent to the suffering of thousands who use this road daily. The silence of the administration is deeply concerning.”
“We have heard promises before, but now we demand action. If the road is not renovated soon, any catastrophe that may occur will be solely the responsibility of the concerned department,” he added.
Locals, while cautiously optimistic, have urged the administration to ensure timely execution without bureaucratic delays.
The poor state of the road has also adversely impacted emergency services, school transport and public movement, particularly during medical emergencies, where every second counts. People fear a major tragedy if swift action is not taken.
When contacted, Executive Engineer (Xen) PWD, Atul Gupta, acknowledged the issue and stated that the blacktopping project was not approved in the financial year 2024-25 due to certain constraints. “However,” he added, “the project has now been approved in the current financial year. A budget of Rs 70 lakh has been sanctioned for blacktopping the Belicharana to Mandal road and adjoining areas.”
He assured that the department is aware of the problems being faced by the public.
“Once the administrative and tendering processes are completed, work will begin soon. We are hopeful that the long-pending demand of the people will finally be addressed this year.”
The residents continue to hope that their voice will no longer go unheard and that their demand for a safe, motorable road will soon turn into reality.
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