The ongoing repair work on Hamidia road, a major route connecting Bhopal Junction to Hamidia Hospital, has led to a severe traffic congestion, drawing the ire of local commuters. It has been learnt that the construction work at the site has now been halted due to unknown reasons, adding to the plight of the commuters. The site is now developed into an accident vulnerable zone risking the lives of travellers. Aggravating the situation, the concerned officials of the Department of Public Works (PWD) are also clueless about the current status of the work. As observed at the ground, the traffic situation has become unbearable, especially in the stretch between Bhopal Talkies and the incline near Hamidia Hospital. Vehicles are frequently getting stuck, and many have even overturned due to the steep gradient of the road. This stretch, which is crucial for connecting various parts of Old Bhopal, has become a major bottleneck, with daily commuters facing lengthy delays and increasing stress.

 

The absence of adequate traffic management and signage, coupled with the poorly maintained road surface, has further aggravated the situation. According to commuters, the road, which previously required just five minutes to traverse, now takes around half an hour due to the extensive construction which has been abandoned by the engineers of PWD. Despite the ongoing repairs, there is no clear timeline for when the work will be completed. Attempts to get more information from PWD officials have only added to the confusion. When contacted, the Chief Engineer of Bhopal Zone, Sanjay Muske, confirmed that the work is ongoing but redirected inquiries to the executive engineer for more details. However, when tried to reach the Executive Engineer, Rakesh Nigam, it was revealed that he was unavailable due to health reasons and could not provide any further details. Moreover, the road’s condition, with numerous potholes and uneven surfaces, has developed this region into an accident vulnerable zone. Notably, this particular stretch passing via Bhopal Talkies and Royal Market connects some of the city’s bustling markets, including the Nadra Bus Stand, making it a critical route for both locals and visitors.

 

However, the lack of basic infrastructure like speed brakers to control traffic flow is adding to the chaos. People are questioning the PWD’s lack of foresight and planning in addressing these issues before they escalate. The lack of clear information on the project’s progress raises serious questions about the department’s efficiency. This lack of communication and transparency from the PWD has frustrated local residents and commuters, who feel that their concerns are being ignored. As the repairs drag on, people are expressing frustration over the delay and lack of proper planning, and many are questioning the efficiency of the Public Works Department (PWD), which is responsible for the road maintenance and repairing works. “Everything here seems like a failure.

 

The menace created due to the repair works is frustrating.” A passer-by mentioned on condition of anonymity. Sameer, a commuter standing near the road said, “Given the vital nature of Hamidia road, it is crucial that the PWD address these concerns urgently to avoid further inconvenience and ensure the safety of commuters”. Many have alleged that the situation on the ground has made it clear that the department’s approach to road maintenance and repair needs significant improvement. Prabha, an elderly woman, also expressed her plight, “ I narrowly escaped falling once”. Many have also taken the PWD at crosshairs.