Jalandhar: Delay in railway road construction work, threat of monsoon looms

JALANDHAR: After nearly four years of controversy, delays and repeated protests, the long-awaited tender for the reconstruction of Railway Road in Nawanshahr has finally been issued. But instead of relief, the slow pace of the initial work has triggered fresh anxiety among local traders as well as residents, who fear that the half-dug road will turn into a virtual pond in the coming monsoon, adding to their losses. One of the busiest roads in the city, the road was last constructed in 2021 with much fanfare but cracks and potholes began to emerge soon after, leading to frequent traffic jams, dust pollution and a drop in footfall in dozens of commercial establishments located here. Major brand showrooms, banks and retail outlets, Dana Mandi and the railway station are located on this road, making it a major commercial hub of the city. Over the years, local shopkeepers staged protests several times, even handing over the keys of their shops to the administration in a dramatic display of anger and helplessness. Allegations of corruption, mismanagement and bureaucratic delays further fuelled the controversy, turning the issue into a political bone of contention. Earlier this year, Punjab local government minister Dr Ravjot Singh inspected the site and assured that the tender process would be expedited.

When it was announced in May that the tender had finally been issued, the business community greeted it with cautious optimism. However, as the work continues at a sluggish pace, disappointment is setting in once again. “We have already suffered huge losses due to dust, debris and poor access to our shops,” said Manish Khurana, a trader who lives on Railway Road. “Now that the rains are coming, if the road gets flooded again, who will compensate us?” he asked. “Customer footfall is already low due to the off-season. The little sales we manage to make cover basic expenses, but now even that is at risk. The government must expedite the work before the situation worsens.” They said the road witnesses heavy traffic on a daily basis and the construction work and uneven surface pose a serious safety risk to both commuters and pedestrians. The traders warned that if immediate steps are not taken to level the surface and ensure proper drainage before the monsoon intensifies, the situation could turn into another civic crisis. “We demand a clear timeline and daily progress. With the groundwork completed and tenders approved, there is no reason for any further delay,” the traders said. “Four years is too long,” said a member of the local market committee. “We have waited, protested and suffered. Now that the paperwork is complete, the least the administration can do is ensure that the work is completed before the monsoon rains worsen the situation.”