300m ‘kutcha’ road in Kailas Nagar hits motorists

Nashik: An internal road in Kailas Nagar area of the city is in such an abominable state that it has become a herculean task for the motorists and pedestrians to commute through this treacherous stretch.

The one kilometre-long internal road links the locality with the Mumbai-Agra highway. Around 300 metres of the stretch is pockmarked with potholes and the situation worsens during monsoon as the road becomes slushy and poses a threat to motorists.

The locality, situated near Indira Nagar, has a population of about 1000 and is frequented by students as it is home to an educational institute.

“Over six months back, an old woman fell from a two-wheeler as she lost balance while negotiating the stretch and sustained injuries. She was bed-ridden for a couple of months,” recalled the president of Amrutdhara Samajik Bahudyeshiya Sanstha Mahesh Sandhane.

The outfit has been corresponding with the civic administration and elected representatives for over two years about the imperative need to develop the internal road. It has also brought the matter to the notice of municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe during the ‘Walk with Commissioner’ event in May this year.

According to members of the outfit, Nashik Municipal Corporation did not complete the construction of the road hence, the 300 metre odd stretch is still undeveloped (kutcha).

“Authorities must remember that apart from residents, hundreds of students from the educational institute also use this road,” said residents.

Resident Kaustav Chakraborty said that the chances of pedestrians being hurt by stone chips were high when vehicles pass through the stretch. “We have no other alternative but to use the road despite its pathetic condition,” said Chakraborty.

According to Sandhane, the vehicles of many residents have been damaged due to the poor condition of the road. “Since the Ganapati festival is just round the corner, civic officials are covering the potholes on a temporary basis but it will not serve the purpose. Things will fall back to square one after a spell of rain. Authorities must develop the part of the road that is in shambles,” said Sandhane.

NMC officials said that a survey has been undertaken and that a tar road would be made for the benefit of the commuters.