A 29-kilometre road stretch connecting Somesar to Panota in Rajasthan's Pali district has turned into a major hazard for travellers following the suspension of construction activities. Despite a substantial financial outlay of ₹46 crore allocated for this connectivity project, the corridor remains in an alarming state of disrepair. The passage is littered with sharp aggregate stones and enveloped in thick dust, creating severe driving risks and leaving motorists vulnerable to serious injuries on a regular basis.
Cabbies Refuse Trips Over Vehicle Damage
The stalled road construction has crippled local transit systems and isolated several connected rural pockets. Mehboob, a commercial taxi operator running vehicles from the Somesar railway station, stated that the continuous presence of sharp stones and airborne grit severely impacts vehicular durability. Tyres suffer heavy wear, suspensions deteriorate rapidly, and maintenance expenses mount swiftly. In response to these operational hazards, drivers have begun declining passenger trips along this road, leaving daily commuters without dependable transport options.
Commuters Suffer Serious Injuries In Slippery Conditions
The loose gravel and unpaved surface make two-wheelers especially prone to skidding. Chhogaram Choudhary recounted an incident from September 18, when he was riding towards Septawas from Khiwada with his wife. Due to the loose aggregate spread haphazardly across the surface, his motorcycle slipped out of control. While his wife sustained bodily abrasions, Choudhary suffered a fractured arm. Choudhary pointed out that administrative indifference and lack of public representation continue to push local residents into hospital emergency wards.
Tyre Explosions And Demands For Direct Agitation
Private cars navigating the route face severe tyre failures due to the unrolled stone bed. Hukamsingh Septawas, president of the Marwar Yuva Sangharsh Samiti, stated that a tyre on his own vehicle burst while traversing this unfinished stretch. He noted that a major tragedy was avoided only because the car was moving at a slow speed at the time. Issuing an ultimatum to authorities, Hukamsingh warned that repeated road accidents will no longer be tolerated and that local residents will launch a widespread public agitation if construction does not resume promptly.
Pending Dues And Asphalt Escalation Stall Project
Addressing the prolonged delay and brewing public resentment, Public Works Department AEN Praveen Kumar clarified the financial bottlenecks behind the stoppage. Praveen Kumar stated that the contractor halted operations primarily over unpaid government dues and steep increases in commercial asphalt market rates. To resolve the funding gap, a formal requisition letter has been dispatched to the PWD headquarters seeking the release of the necessary budget. Officials stated that work will resume as soon as the financial clearance arrives.
