This story is from June 19, 2019

Patna: Dug-up roads sans signs a death trap

Digging of roads for laying underground pipelines, electricity wires and construction of drains, which is quite common in the city these days, is posing a threat to lives of commuters due to lack of warning signs, especially during night hours.
Patna: Dug-up roads sans signs a death trap
A dug-up road near Gandhi Maidan and (right) an open manhole at J P roundabout in Patna
PATNA: Digging of roads for laying underground pipelines, electricity wires and construction of drains, which is quite common in the city these days, is posing a threat to lives of commuters due to lack of warning signs, especially during night hours.
Ashok Rajpath, A N Sinha Library Road, Lodipur, Kurji, Nasriganj and Nala Road are some of the affected localities in the city.
Locals have raised the issue with the authorities concerned several times, but to no avail.
Though it is mandatory to put display board highlighting nature of work, name of the contractor, contact persons as well as warning signs near the construction sites, the rule is not followed at several places.
Patna DM Kumar Ravi told this newspaper on Tuesday that private construction firms have been strictly asked to put fluorescent and warning signage near the construction sites within a week.
Ravi said such areas should be barricaded with illuminated signs to avoid road accidents. “I have asked the private companies to alert the administration a week before starting the digging work so that alternative arrangements could be made. The digging, though necessary, hinders traffic flow on roads,” he said, adding the administration has also asked the firms to complete the work as soon as possible.
Ashok Rajpath, one of the city’s busiest roads, has been dug up at more than seven places. Gas pipes are lying on the road without any barricading, thereby risking lives of people.

Ankit Sinha, who runs a musical instrument shop near B N College, said motorists are often caught unaware of the trenches and unrepaired roads during night hours. “It causes accidents in the locality. Last week, a car rammed into pipes lying on the road,” he added.
Amrendra Pandey, a resident of Mithila Colony at Nasriganj, said, “It is difficult to move from Kurji to Nasriganj as one-third of the road has been dug up. The remaining portion of the road is covered with pipes. The condition of the road might turn worse during monsoon.”
Alka Sharan, a resident of Lodipur, said the private firm engaged in construction work in the locality is least bothered about safety of people. “The construction work is also going on at a snail’s pace,” she added.
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About the Author
Faryal Rumi

She is working with the Times of India as a Senior Digital Content Creator on the Patna desk.

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