Motorists grappling with potholes on Amravati Road, but relief is in sight as the construction contractor working on the flyover has commenced has started repairs on the tar road stretching from Bole Petrol Pump Square to University Campus Square. The initiative follows a stern warning from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shashikant Satav, who highlighted the contractor’s neglect of the 2.85-km road for years.
Beyond the bumpy ride, concerns arise from dust layers causing air pollution, especially between Law College and Ravi Nagar junctions. Media reports highlight the discomfort faced by two-wheeler riders, including irritation in the nose and throat, along with burning eyes caused by dust clouds from passing heavy vehicles. While those in four-wheelers can protect themselves, pedestrians, lacking dedicated space, resort to wearing masks on the carriageways. Despite the ongoing road repairs, the challenges persist for residents and businesses along the route, as both the construction firm and the Public Works Department have yet to address the lingering dust issue. Notably, even with the road repairs, the footpath remains overlooked, as emphasized by a frustrated pedestrian.
The stretch from Bole Petrol Pump Square to Campus Square poses risks due to poor road conditions, with the footpath also in a deteriorated condition. Unattended for over five years due to the planned flyover construction, the road’s renovation was initiated after Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s bhumi puja on March 6, 2022. Pune-based T&T Infra conducted the patching work, confirmed by an official from the NH division of the state public works department. Deputy Commissioner Satav emphasized the need for contractors to ensure motorable roads, warning against inconvenience to motorists.