GUWAHATI: Inconvenience ensues for the residents as the Public Works Department (PWD) oversees drain and footpath reconstruction works on a lane adjacent to B Barooah Road, which serves as a shortcut for entering the main GS Road.
Commuters who take the connecting lane are facing challenges due to the ongoing construction activities. As a result of the reconstruction work, people are unable to commute through the affected area. The passage has been blocked by workers to facilitate drain maintenance, impeding the natural flow of water. Consequently, a portion of the road is covered with stagnant water, exacerbating difficulties faced by pedestrians and commuters.
The authorities have put up barricades and signages for the ongoing construction work of the footpath in the area but the lane remains disconnected from the main road. People were seen trying to jump the metre-long gap or trying and falling into the muddy water.
Srimanta Bhattacharjee, a resident who usually takes the lane, expressing his frustration stated to G Plus, "I work in Ulubari, and I rely on this lane to avoid the heavy traffic on the main road. However, since it has been closed, my commute time has increased by an hour."
Adding to the concerns, another resident voiced their dissatisfaction with the casual approach to the construction work, as the road remains inundated with drain water.
Pedestrians find it challenging to navigate the waterlogged road, further hampering daily activities.
Additionally, a resident reported damage to the municipality pipeline due to the ongoing construction.
Consequently, households in the vicinity are currently experiencing water scarcity.
Although the reconstruction work has been ongoing for a month, progress has been disappointingly slow. Workers have mentioned their need to operate during late hours due to heavy traffic during the day. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions, have also impeded their progress.
Sanjeev Shyam the Chief Engineer of PWD, responsible for the project, acknowledging the delay stated, "I expect the construction work to be completed by July 15."
The worker-in-charge of the project stated, “It will take 10 days.” He further said due to Eid the workers have gone home and we are making a new culver for the path. So people can go safely.
As per official statements, the project has been assigned to three contractors who are responsible for overseeing the reconstruction work.
Residents and commuters on B Barooah Road eagerly await the completion of the drain and footpath reconstruction project.
