UP: 50 Villages Stranded as Chandauli Road Turns Into a Death Trap
Residents of 50 villages in Chandauli struggle as the Jagdish Sarai to Baburi road turns into a series of dangerous potholes, worsening during rains.
The residents of approximately 50 villages in Chandauli are facing extreme hardship due to the dilapidated condition of the road connecting Jagdish Sarai to Baburi via Madhupur. What was once a vital artery for local movement has now transformed into a treacherous stretch filled with massive, deep potholes that pose a constant threat to commuters.
Rainwater Turns Potholes Into Invisible Traps
The situation turns critical every time it rains. As water accumulates in the deep craters, the true depth and extent of the potholes become invisible to travelers. This creates a high risk for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians who struggle to navigate the submerged path. Local commuters report that during the morning and evening peak hours, the road becomes nearly impassable, often leading to massive traffic jams when larger vehicles attempt to squeeze through the broken stretches.
Vulnerable Groups at High Risk
The broken infrastructure is not just a matter of inconvenience; it has become a safety hazard for the most vulnerable members of the community. Rajendra Prasad Vishwakarma, a local resident, highlighted the severe impact on specific groups:
- Elderly Citizens: Those traveling to and from the local old age home face frequent slips and falls.
- School Children: Students attending the nearby primary school are often forced to navigate these dangerous holes, leading to several instances of injuries.
Vishwakarma also pointed out a fundamental engineering flaw, alleging that the road was constructed without a proper slope, which prevents effective water drainage and leads to persistent waterlogging.
Infrastructure Decay Beyond the Road
The neglect extends beyond the asphalt. Resident Kumar Keshari noted that basic amenities like drains and paved paths are in a state of total collapse. He mentioned that near the local middle school, located just 100 meters from the main road, the drainage systems are overflowing and stagnant, creating unhygienic conditions for the entire area.
A Vital Link Ignored by Authorities
Despite its strategic importance, the road remains neglected. This route serves as a crucial connection, linking via Madhupur and Bahera to the Bharatmala Expressway and NH-2. It is the lifeline for dozens of communities, yet the lack of maintenance is glaring.
Villagers claim they have repeatedly brought this issue to the attention of local representatives, the Public Works Department (PWD), and district administration officials. However, these complaints have seemingly fallen on deaf ears. The community is now urgently appealing to the District Magistrate to conduct a field inspection and ensure immediate repairs, proper road sloping, and an efficient drainage system to prevent further accidents.