Journey from Gangadham to Katchi Sadak Becomes a Nightmare; Commuting on This Dilapidated Stretch of Paved Road Becomes Impossible, General Public and Kanwarias Forced to Travel Amidst Dust and Jolts
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: The hardships of local residents, shopkeepers, and commuters traveling on the route leading from Gangadham toward Katchi Sadak—one of the vital and faith-laden paths within Silk City Bhagalpur—have reached their absolute peak. Just before transitioning from the Gangadham area toward Katchi Sadak, this crucial stretch of the main paved road is in a completely ruined and dilapidated state. Large potholes, stripped tarmac, waterlogging in places, and billowing dust have turned this route into nothing short of a death trap for motorists. During the world-famous Shravani Mela or even on ordinary days, Shiva devotees and local citizens transiting this path face massive hardships, breeding deep resentment among the general populace against the Road Construction Department and the local administration.
What is the Core Problem? A Close Look at the Road's Disrepair
According to information received from local residents and drivers, the condition of this junction or main paved road segment turning from Gangadham toward Katchi Sadak has remained hellish for a long time:
Road Converted into Deep Potholes: Every trace of asphalt and gravel has vanished from the surface. Vehicle movement has carved out potholes so massive that the slightest lapse in concentration can overturn vehicles or severely injure drivers.
The Reign of Billowing Dust and Mud: On sunny days, the tires of vehicles kicking up dust from this broken road make living in nearby homes and running shops unbearable. Conversely, the moment light rain falls, these potholes fill with filthy water, making it impossible for pedestrians to distinguish between the road and the crater.
Impact on Thousands of Residents and Kanwaria Movement
This route is crucial not only for local residents but also from a religious perspective:
A Primary Alternative Route for Kanwarias: During the Shravani Mela or on other days, many devotees and locals traveling to and from Sultanganj use this route as a bypass or alternative path. However, due to this dilapidated section of the paved road, kanwarias are forced to endure severe distress. Walking across these stony and potholed tracks with a kanwar on one's shoulder turns into an ordeal of physical suffering.
Trouble for Businessmen and School Children: Several shops and small commercial establishments in this area suffer heavy losses due to dust flying off the road. Furthermore, for young school children and women commuting daily, passing through this route is nothing short of a challenge.
Administrative Apathy and Outpouring of Public Anger
Area residents allege that they repeatedly informed local public representatives and concerned road construction departments about this issue, but every time they received only empty assurances.
Eye-Wash in the Name of Repairs: Locals state that the department occasionally fills these potholes with mere dirt or brick fragments as a superficial formality, which gets blown away or sinks after the very first spell of rain or passage of heavy vehicles. Consequently, the problem remains unchanged.
Apprehension of Accidents: At night, when street lighting along this route is inadequate, these potholes prove lethal for unsuspecting motorists (especially bikers and auto drivers). People fall and get injured here routinely.
Strong Demand for Immediate Resolution
Enlightened citizens, shopkeepers, and social activists of the area have strongly demanded from the district administration and the Road Construction Department that:
Prompt Re-carpeting and Reconstruction: A survey of this main paved road section just before Gangadham leading to Katchi Sadak should be conducted immediately, followed by high-quality re-carpeting (construction of a paved road).
Arrangement of a Drainage System: Paved drains should be constructed along both sides of the road for water runoff so that the road does not break down again due to waterlogging.
This deplorable state of the paved road just before reaching Katchi Sadak from Gangadham is not merely a geographical issue; rather, it is enough to expose the administrative inertia and hollow claims of development. If this dilapidated route is not restored in time, a major road accident could occur here at any moment. City residents hope the administration takes concrete steps in this direction soon to find a permanent solution to their daily agony.
