Inordinate delay in restoration of cut roads is proving harsh on the spinal strength of motorists in the city.
Roads are dug up for laying of various utility lines such as water or sewerage pipelines, electricity cables, telecom cables, or for various works related to storm water drains, but not restored for months after the work is complete.
While huge craters on thoroughfares causing traffic chaos are a problem, the work is not completed in scheduled time worsening the situation by the day. “The road which I usually take was dug up about four months ago for storm water drain works, and is yet to be repaired. We are forced to take a detour, which increases petrol consumption,” says Ahmed, who stays in Venkataramana Colony, Khairatabad.
At many places, the improperly covered roads cause major traffic chaos. The road from Nagole to Kothapet is an example. The road was dug up in the middle for water works a long time ago, and covered with gravel. Even after months, it is yet to be restored, and being a busy stretch, it experiences severe traffic chaos.
Similar is the situation in Vanasthalipuram and Dilsukhnagar areas, where the roads were dug up for water and drainage pipelines, and are covered with gravel.
“The road has been left like this for the past three months. It was a good road until it was dug up. Peak commuting hours witness severe traffic problems, and there have been instances of bikers falling down and cars getting flat tyres due to the residual soil and stones,” says Ajay Raidu, a medical student from Vanasthalipuram.
Snehit, a student, experiences a similar issue in Ganeshpuri Colony of Dilsukhnagar, where the roads were cut for drainage and water pipelines, and have not been closed properly.
At Karmanghat Crossroads, the road was dug up two months ago, with no workers or officials seen at any time of the day, leaving the commuters to wonder if it would ever be completed.
Harish, a private company employee, says a single heavy vehicle passing by that road creates a traffic situation, leading to “immense pollution”.
On Road No.45, Jubilee Hills, local workers say they have seen quite a few accidents due to badly covered up roads post pipeline works.
Similar is the situation opposite Big Bazaar in Koti, where shopkeepers complain of loss of business due to dusty roads, and with a few inner lanes in Somajiguda.
Chief Engineer (Maintenance), GHMC, Mohd. Ziauddin says the civic body needs a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to carry out the road repair works.
The NOC is delayed owing to mandatory leakage tests even after the works are completed. Where the pipelines are smaller in size, the water board has to carry out the road laying too, he said.
(With inputs from Sri Krishna Sai, Kaushik Gunuganti, Sowmya Sangam, Pranitha Sandela and Dimple Ramchandani)
