GUWAHATI: A recently constructed road near Sainik Bhawan in Rajgarh, Guwahati has already developed a patch of potholes, causing inconvenience to commuters and raising questions about the quality of construction. The potholes, which have appeared within months of the road’s completion, have disrupted traffic flow and pose a safety hazard, especially for two-wheelers and pedestrians.
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The local residents have expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of the road, citing poor workmanship and lack of accountability.
Speaking to GPlus, Anirban Duttah said, “This road was built just a few weeks ago, and now it’s already in a sorry state. It’s a waste of public money. I don’t know where the money goes.”
The stretch is a key link for residents in Rajgarh and sees significant daily traffic. With the potholes worsening, the road has become increasingly difficult to navigate, leading to frequent traffic jams.
Preliminary assessments suggest improper drainage or substandard materials may be to blame. But, a conversation with an official from the Public Works Department (PWD) states otherwise.
Talking to GPlus, Bhaskar Bhagawati, a senior official from PWD said, “The damage and potholes in roads can be attributed to water leakage nearby or flowing on the road which damages the road. The bitumen or the materials cannot be blamed in these cases. And we generally make sure to re-repair the roads frequently, whenever such a case pops up.”
The incident highlights a recurring issue in Guwahati, where newly built infrastructure often fails to withstand basic usage, leading to unnecessary expenditures on repairs, which need to be addressed or worked upon immediately.