The picturesque Pathankot-Mandi National Highway in Himachal Pradesh's Nurpur region has transformed into a dangerous gauntlet for daily commuters and travelers. The particularly notorious Kandaghat to Walnut section, officially designated as NH 154, has deteriorated into what locals describe as a "commuter's nightmare" due to massive, vehicle-damaging potholes and complete absence of basic safety measures.
Road Conditions Reaching Critical Levels
Travelers navigating this treacherous stretch face multiple hazards that make every journey a white-knuckle experience:
- Gaping potholes that have turned into virtual craters, some large enough to swallow vehicle tires
- Complete lack of street lighting, turning night travel into a blind gamble
- Absence of proper road signage and safety barriers along dangerous curves
- Dust clouds that reduce visibility to near-zero levels during daytime
- Multiple accident-prone zones that have witnessed numerous mishaps
Local Communities Bear the Brunt
The deteriorating road conditions are taking a significant toll on local residents who depend on this highway for daily commuting. Students, office workers, and business owners face unpredictable travel times and increased vehicle maintenance costs. Emergency services, including ambulance and fire response, are also severely hampered by the poor road quality, putting lives at risk during critical situations.
Economic Impact and Tourism Concerns
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the neglected highway threatens the region's economic vitality and tourism potential. The Pathankot-Mandi route serves as a crucial corridor for trade and tourism, connecting several important destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The current state of disrepair discourages visitors and increases transportation costs for local businesses, creating a ripple effect throughout the regional economy.
Local authorities have acknowledged the problem but concrete action remains elusive. Residents and regular commuters continue to demand immediate repair work and proper maintenance of this vital national highway, hoping their travel nightmares will soon come to an end.
