Repair activity on a key stretch of Amritsar’s outer bypass has come under sharp criticism from residents, who say the work is being carried out at a risky time, with winter fog severely reducing visibility on the busy roadway.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently began restoration work near Verka Chowk after a section of the bypass developed cracks caused by gradual subsidence close to the BRTS bus stop area. The damaged surface, commuters say, had become increasingly unsafe, prompting the agency to intervene.
However, the repair work has led to partial road closures and traffic diversions on a route that handles heavy vehicular movement throughout the day. Locals allege that soil mounds and construction debris placed on the carriageway to redirect traffic pose a serious hazard, particularly during early morning and late-night hours when dense fog blankets the area.
Several residents recalled earlier accidents at highway construction sites, claiming that insufficient safety measures have repeatedly put motorists at risk. Past incidents on the GT Road near Manawala, they said, had even led to legal action against officials for alleged negligence.
Demanding immediate corrective steps, citizens have urged the authorities to install reflective signboards, barricades and solar-powered warning lights at all active construction zones during the fog season. They argue that clear advance warnings are essential to prevent mishaps on high-speed corridors.
Legal expert Kuljeet Singh cautioned that failure to enforce safety norms could have grave consequences. Social activist Pawan Sharma echoed similar concerns, alleging that multiple infrastructure projects in the region have suffered structural problems due to poor-quality materials and flawed execution. He called for an independent probe to identify those responsible.
The issue has also reached the national stage, with Amritsar MP Gurjeet Aujla recently flagging in Parliament cases of roads and bridges developing defects soon after completion, or even before they were fully built.
