An excavated stretch on the busy road connecting Seminary Hills and Telangkhedi has become a major safety hazard for commuters. The portion near the Mother Dairy plant and NCC Group headquarters has been dug up for pipeline work, leaving behind a deep trench across the road.
With inadequate barricading and poor visibility after sunset, locals said the stretch has virtually turned into an accident-prone spot.
Although partial barricades have been placed on one side, allowing a narrow passage for two-wheelers, the opposite side approaching from the CP Club remains completely open. The absence of proper barricades, warning signs, and reflectors has exposed motorists to danger, particularly during the evening when the area remains poorly lit due to non-functional streetlights.
A ground visit revealed that even two-wheelers barely have enough room to pass through the stretch. Four-wheelers are unable to navigate the road and are being forced to take U-turns, resulting in traffic congestion and confusion. In one instance, even an ambulance had to return because of the dug-up section.
“Had it been an emergency, we would have lost crucial time changing the route,” said the ambulance driver, highlighting the serious risks posed by the situation.
Residents and daily commuters expressed frustration over the lack of planning and safety arrangements. “There are no warning boards or lights. At night, the trench is almost invisible. Someone is bound to fall into it,” said Deepak Korgaonkar, a local resident. Another commuter said, “This road is frequently used, and yet the work has been left incomplete and unsafe.”
Locals also pointed out that proper precautionary measures have not been implemented despite the risk to commuters.
The trench, dug for laying a water pipeline, has effectively split the road into two parts, forcing motorists into risky manoeuvres. Two-wheelers are squeezing through narrow gaps, while larger vehicles have no option but to turn back, affecting smooth traffic movement.
Rajkumar Meshram, assistant commissioner of the Dharampeth zone, acknowledged the issue and assured immediate action. “The road has been dug up for pipeline work. We were not informed about the lack of barricading and signage on one side. I will immediately deploy officials to the spot to ensure necessary safety measures are implemented,” he said.
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