While official announcements frequently emphasize the upgrading and smooth maintenance of roadways across Uttar Pradesh, the ground reality on National Highway 35 presents a contrasting picture. Travelling along this crucial artery in Mirzapur district has turned into a perilous journey. Far from the promises of seamless connectivity, key stretches of this highway connecting Mirzapur to Prayagraj have deteriorated into waterlogged pools and dangerous craters, creating constant hazards for commuters.
Five-Kilometer Stretch Between Key Junctions Turns Hazardous
The situation is particularly alarming along the five-kilometer stretch extending from Sheetla Mandir Tiraha to Natwa Tiraha within Mirzapur. More than 20 small and large potholes have emerged along this brief section alone. Several of these craters are so severe that residents compare them to death traps. During rainfall, water fills these depressions, obscuring their depth and leading to frequent vehicular mishaps whenever drivers make even minor errors.
Toll Extracted at Two Plazas Despite Year-Long Neglect
Spanning approximately 90 kilometers, National Highway 35 features two active toll plazas where users are regularly charged toll fees. Despite this continuous revenue collection, no visible efforts have been made to restore the damaged roadway. The highway has remained in a dilapidated state for nearly a year. High-ranking administrative officials and government ministers frequently travel along this route, yet the persistent damage has failed to prompt any swift corrective measures or official intervention.
Ineffective Quick Fixes and Growing Resident Concerns
Local residents have voiced sharp frustration over the handling of the repairs. Phoolvati Devi noted that massive potholes have developed at multiple points along the road. Maintenance workers routinely dump loose dry gravel into the holes, which scatters completely within a day or two under heavy traffic. She pointed out that an individual suffered injuries in an accident just a day prior, but neither local authorities nor contractors have taken accountability. Another resident, Umesh, shared that contractors inspected the location on two occasions, only to deposit temporary gravel and leave. Accidents continue to occur daily while the highway remains neglected after a full year.
