Dangerous Potholes Plague Jalandhar-Ludhiana Highway, Causing Accidents
Numerous large potholes on the National Highway stretch connecting Jalandhar and Ludhiana are leading to a surge in accidents and significant vehicle damage. The situation is particularly dire on the segment between Goraya and Phillaur, which has been identified as the worst affected area.
Daily Hazards and Near-Fatal Incidents
According to Prof Rishu, a municipal councillor from Goraya who commutes daily between Goraya and Phillaur, the road conditions are perilous. "There is no day when the tires of cars do not burst after hitting the potholes, especially during the night," she stated. "Very often, vehicles going in the same direction ram into each other when drivers suddenly slow down or take swift turns in a bid to avoid hitting the potholes directly."
Prof Rishu emphasized that this is a toll road with high taxes at the Ladhowal barrier, yet the poor maintenance is increasing accident risks, which could prove fatal, especially for two-wheeler riders.
Recent Accidents Highlight the Crisis
Rajan Makkar of the Goraya Ambulance Welfare Association reported a specific incident on February 1, where two youths were badly injured after their scooter hit a pothole and they fell. "They had a narrow escape as the vehicles behind them were not fast. Passers-by helped them and our ambulance rushed them to a hospital," he said.
In another case, Paras Arora, a resident of Phillaur, described how his car was rear-ended on Sunday night when he slowed down due to a large pothole while traveling to Goraya. "Both cars were damaged. People in the other car were returning from Vrindavan towards Batala and they had to return to Ludhiana due to damage to the car," he explained.
Official Confirmation and Underlying Causes
When contacted, Goraya SHO Sikandar Singh Virk confirmed that daily incidents of tire bursts and other accidents are caused by these potholes. The problem is exacerbated during the rainy season when water accumulates on the stretch, leading to road deterioration.
A local resident added that after last year's rains, several big potholes developed, and patchwork repairs have been inadequate, leaving the surface uneven and unsafe.
The persistent neglect of this critical highway section poses a serious threat to public safety, urging immediate action from authorities to prevent further accidents and fatalities.
