A recent survey has revealed that at least 60 roads in the city are in a “very poor” condition, while another 23 roads are rated as “poor.” This comes at a time when the Municipal Corporation (MC) is struggling with a financial crisis, impacting its ability to maintain city infrastructure.
The survey was conducted to help the MC prioritize which roads need urgent recarpeting once funds become available. The MC is responsible for maintaining around 1,860 km—about 60%—of city roads. It had requested a special grant of Rs 28 crore from the UT Administration for recarpeting and maintenance of key sector-dividing roads (V-3 roads), but the funds have not yet been released.
Roads classified as “very poor” are in the worst shape and need immediate repair. Many of these have not been resurfaced for six to eight years. Roads in the “poor” category have fared slightly better but still require recarpeting, having gone unrepaired for over five years.
Some roads in the “very poor” category include stretches between Sectors 19/27, 27/30, 27 D, 20 D, Sector 30 B, Sector 45, 45A/B, areas in front of the civil hospital, dividing roads between Sectors 31/32/46/47, Sector 32 C, Sector 9, Khuda Lahora colony number 2, the backside of the mobile market, Maloya colony, and Milk Colony in Dhanas.
Dalip Sharma, chairperson of the MC road committee, said the panel approved road recarpeting projects worth over Rs 45 crore in the last meeting. However, work could not begin due to lack of funds. “The work will start after the monsoon ends, as recarpeting during rain is not possible. By then, the MC hopes to secure the required funds,” he added.
Residents express frustration
Residents like Kartar Singh from Sector 39 said road conditions are worsening daily. “Internal roads have not been repaired for years. Many sectors’ roads have deteriorated so badly that commuting has become difficult,” he said.
BJP councilor Saurabh Joshi said the plan to recarpet roads in his ward was ready long ago but has stalled due to fund shortages.
Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty and Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta also raised concerns over the “pathetic” state of the city’s roads and urged immediate action.
The worsening road conditions are causing increased risks and inconveniences for daily commuters, highlighting the urgent need for the MC to resolve its financial issues and begin repairs.
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