A gaping and perilous hole, measuring approximately 5 feet across and 7 feet deep, has remained unrepaired for several months on a crucial road in Khamkheda village on the outskirts of Bhopal. This hazardous void has transformed a section of culvert constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) into a significant threat to public safety.
Local Residents Voice Frustration Over Neglect
According to local residents, the paved road collapsed during the recent rainy season, about three to four months ago. The wide gap situated in the middle of the 2-kilometre stretch continues to pose severe risks. Two-wheelers are in danger of plunging into it, while four-wheelers might lose balance or become stuck, creating daily hazards for commuters.
Viral Video Amplifies Concerns
A video documenting the damaged road has gone viral on social media platforms, drawing widespread attention. This comes amid growing national concern about potholes and trenches following a similar incident in Noida where a tech worker's car fell into a water-filled trench. The video was captured and shared by Mohan Singh Jaat, vice-president of the district panchayat.
Jaat recounted a chilling near-miss incident: "I went to inspect the road when I witnessed a man riding a motorcycle narrowly avoiding a fall by braking at the very last moment. It was a heart-stopping scene that highlighted the immediate danger."
Repeated Complaints Yield Limited Action
Village residents, including Sumer Singh, have expressed frustration over the lack of response despite repeatedly complaining to officials about the broken road following its collapse. "We have brought this to the attention of authorities multiple times, but little has been done to address this dangerous situation," said Singh.
Official Responses and Promises
Jaat reported raising the issue during the district panchayat's general council meeting on Wednesday, where officials promised to repair the gap soon. Meanwhile, Bhopal's Lok Sabha member, Alok Sharma, stated that the issue had been brought to his notice by media persons.
Sharma assured: "I will visit the site when in Bhopal, inspect the road with the concerned authorities supervising the PM rural road scheme, and take necessary steps to ensure public safety."
Accountability Questions Remain
Attempts to reach the PWD chief engineer in charge of the Bhopal zone, Sanjay Muske, proved unsuccessful as his mobile phone was temporarily out of order. This communication gap raises questions about administrative responsiveness to critical infrastructure issues affecting rural communities.
The persistent road hazard in Khamkheda village underscores broader challenges in maintaining rural infrastructure under government schemes like PMGSY, where timely repairs and accountability mechanisms appear to be lacking despite significant public safety risks.
