Residents of Mitra Mandal Colony and adjoining localities of Saket Vihar in Anisabad, Patna, are facing significant inconvenience due to ongoing road excavation work being carried out by GAIL (India) Limited for laying piped natural gas (PNG) connections to households. Locals allege that roads have been dug up recklessly and left open for days, creating serious problems for pedestrians, schoolchildren, motorists, and shopkeepers.
Roads Left Excavated for Weeks
According to the residents, several roads in the colony have remained partially excavated for one to two weeks without being properly filled or repaired after pipeline work. The open trenches and heaps of debris have made movement difficult, especially during morning and evening peak hours, they alleged. The situation worsens during rains, turning the roads into hazardous pathways.
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Schoolchildren and elderly people are among the worst affected as they are forced to navigate through narrow and uneven passages. "Children struggle to walk safely to school. During rains or even normal traffic movement, the roads become hazardous," said a local resident, Amar Kumar. Elderly residents find it particularly challenging to cross the damaged stretches, risking falls and injuries.
Traffic Congestion and Business Loss
Motorists also complained that the dug-up stretches are causing frequent traffic congestion in the area. "Two-wheelers and autorickshaws negotiate the damaged roads with great difficulty while traffic jams have become a daily occurrence during busy hours," he said. Several residents alleged that if the roads were restored immediately after the completion of pipeline laying work, the inconvenience could have been minimised. "We are not against the PNG project, but the authorities should ensure that roads are repaired on time. Leaving trenches open for weeks is unacceptable," another resident, Usha Saran, said.
Local shopkeepers have also expressed concern over the impact on business activity. Many said customers are reluctant to visit the market area because access to shops has become difficult due to the open excavated portions of the roads. "Customers avoid coming here because vehicles cannot reach properly and pedestrians hesitate to walk through the damaged stretch. Our business has suffered badly over the past several days," a shopowner, Amlesh Kumar, said.
GAIL's Response
When contacted, an official of GAIL (India) Ltd said work would be completed soon. However, residents remain sceptical and demand a clear timeline for restoration. They urge the authorities to coordinate with the municipal corporation to ensure timely repair of roads and minimise public inconvenience.
