Salt Lake’s Road in horrific condition, commuters risking lives amid deteriorating infrastructure

Karunamoyee in Salt Lake, a critical area for both residential and commercial purposes, is grappling with severe road conditions that have raised concerns about commuter safety. The roads linking Karunamoyee to Sector V, an important business district, have become increasingly hazardous. Large potholes, uneven road surfaces, and sections of roads where the asphalt has entirely worn off have been causing daily disruptions for both vehicles and pedestrians. The deteriorating state of these roads has been an ongoing issue, with no significant improvements reported over the last several months.

The roads in this area are used by thousands of commuters every day, including office-goers, bus operators, private car owners, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. The stretch from Karunamoyee to Sector V, a key route for those traveling to and from major offices, has been particularly troublesome. Many drivers report having to swerve around deep potholes, leading to slow-moving traffic and increased congestion. The rainy season had exacerbated the problem, with potholes often filled with water, making them hard to identify and adding to the risk of accidents. In addition to vehicles, pedestrians also struggle to navigate the roads, as the gaps and cracks on the sidewalks are often uneven or broken, making it dangerous to walk.

Temporary patchwork repairs were made on some of the worst-hit stretches before the Durga Puja festival, but these fixes have not held up. Within weeks of completion, the roads have deteriorated once again, with the patches either worn away or ineffective in addressing the underlying issues. Locals report on social media that these repairs often fail to address the deeper structural problems, such as the need for a complete resurfacing or better drainage systems to prevent water accumulation in potholes.

The lack of long-term maintenance and improvement has led to frequent breakdowns of buses, which are unable to navigate the damaged roads without causing damage to their vehicles. Bus operators report that their vehicles often suffer from tire damage, suspension issues, and even mechanical failure due to the rough roads. Motorcyclists and car drivers face similar problems, as the damaged road surfaces make it difficult to maintain control, leading to a higher risk of accidents.