Damaged road causing safety hazards, upgrade sought

Metro India News | BHADRADRI KOTHHAGUDEM

The main road connecting Allapalli to the district headquarters at Kothagudem has deteriorated significantly, posing serious risks to commuters and causing growing concern among local residents.

The route, which witnesses heavy daily traffic, has become increasingly accident-prone due to its poor condition and rising movement of overloaded heavy vehicles. According to residents, trucks carrying cement, concrete, and other construction materials frequently travel on the stretch with excessive loads. Constant movement of these vehicles has reportedly caused extensive damage to the already narrow single-lane road, making travel difficult and hazardous.

The road is further complicated by sharp bends and thick vegetation along several stretches, reducing visibility for motorists. Commuters say vehicles approaching from the opposite direction often become visible only at the last moment, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The road serves as a crucial link for nearly 30 villages under the Allapalli mandal as well as around 30 villages in Gundala mandal. Residents depend on this route daily to access the district headquarters for healthcare, education, government services, and other essential needs.<With potholes covering large sections of the road, commuters say every journey has become a risky affair.

Auto-rickshaw passengers, two-wheeler riders and motorists are among those most affected. Residents claim that several road accidents have occurred on the stretch in recent years, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Locals allege that in some emergency cases, including pregnant women and accident victims requiring urgent medical treatment, delays have prevented patients from reaching hospitals in time, with some reportedly dying before receiving medical care.

Residents have expressed disappointment over what they describe as official inaction despite repeated representations regarding the condition of the road. They allege that authorities have failed to take adequate steps to address the deteriorating infrastructure even as accidents continue to occur. Locals are now urging the government to sanction the widening of the existing single-lane road into a double-lane carriage.