Monsoon is gone and so is the effect of the recent cyclone, but city roads never seem to have better times. The busy roads in many areas of the city present a pathetic sight – battered and potholed.
To compound the problem, motorists have to deal with loose gravel and flying sand that obscures their sight, besides making breathing difficult.
The arterial stretch between Jubilee Bus Stand (JBS) and Clock Tower junction is an example. While the road was spick and span just a few months ago, rains eroded the carriageway that is yet to be restored, resulting in a dry and dusty ‘katcha’ road in place of a metal-paved one.
“This road was one of the better ones not long ago. But ever since the road got washed away during monsoon, it has become a nightmare to cross this area,” P. Revaty, a commuter, complained. Problems are more for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians because of the dust and sand particles flying around, she observed.
The civic authorities have not taken any steps to mend the road till date despite repeated requests, Ms. Revaty said.
To compound problems for commuters in the area, the nearby West Marredpally Road, too, has become a pothole-ridden stretch, much to the discomfort of the residents.
“The condition of West Marredpally main road is equally bad. People are forced to consume street food at the numerous roadside eateries amid dust and grit,” B. Mohan Rao, a resident of West Marredpally, said.
Each time a vehicle passes, one has to encounter a dust storm, which makes navigation difficult, he added. Bad roads also have become a trying matter for traffic police. “We have to stand between this pollution day in day out and face difficulty in managing traffic due to poor visibility,” a traffic police officer said.