The road connecting GS Road and Rajgarh in Lachit Nagar, known as the Lachit Nagar link road, has turned into a daily ordeal for commuters. The ongoing construction projects have transformed the once smooth route into a chaotic maze, posing significant risks to public safety and causing immense inconvenience to residents and travellers alike.
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The relentless construction work, coupled with the careless dumping of construction materials, has created a hazardous environment on the road. Residents and commuters alike express their dismay over the lack of proper planning and adherence to safety protocols, leading to a surge in accidents and mishaps.
Anushmita Dey, a resident of Lachit Nagar, shares her frustration, stating, "The deteriorating condition of the road deeply troubles me as a regular commuter. I have witnessed numerous accidents caused by reckless construction practices."
Another resident, Manab P. Daimary, recounts his recent accident resulting from loose gravel on the road, highlighting the grave dangers faced by two-wheeler riders navigating through the chaos.
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The recent surge in accidents is not an isolated incident. Earlier mishaps have plagued the Lachit Nagar-Rajgarh link road, further intensifying concerns among residents. Reports of vehicles skidding on loose gravel, collisions due to blocked lanes, and pedestrians stumbling over scattered construction debris have become distressingly common occurrences.
Despite fines imposed by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) on contractors for littering and obstructing roads, violations persist with alarming frequency. The Public Works Department (PWD) acknowledges the challenges posed by overlapping construction works and unforeseen damages to infrastructure, resulting in persistent delays and disorder on the route.
In addition to accidents caused by negligence, the road's condition magnifies during adverse weather conditions. Even a slight rainfall transforms the already perilous route into a veritable death trap, further endangering the lives of commuters and pedestrians alike.
Arup Saikia a resident of Rajgarh said, "I had a narrow escape earlier while riding the bike. The drains are open, and vehicles traverse in both directions. This further poses a threat as most of the road turns into a death trap. After a downpour, it is impossible to not skid which further hampers the safety."
Apart from the condition, frequent traffic congestion witnessed on the road makes it a daunting task for commuters to ease of movement. It is to be mentioned that no regulations on huge vehicular movement have been forwarded.
The Mayor of Guwahati, Mrigen Sarania, seeks to reassure residents of ongoing efforts to expedite construction while acknowledging the complexities of working on such a narrow road. He emphasizes the need for patience and cooperation from the public during the arduous completion process.
However, despite the assurances from authorities, residents remain sceptical about the projected timeline for completion and the effectiveness of current measures to address the commuting challenges. Many fear that the protracted construction period will only prolong their suffering and escalate the likelihood of further accidents.
As the construction saga unfolds, residents continue to voice their grievances through various channels, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing commuting nightmare. Their prayers are for the expeditious completion of the road and the restoration of safe travel conditions for all.
In conclusion, the Lachit Nagar-Rajgarh link road stands as a grim testament to the perils of unchecked construction and negligent oversight. Unless urgent action is taken to rectify the situation and prioritise public safety, the road's status as a vital arterial route will remain compromised, leaving residents and commuters at constant risk of harm.
