NOIDA: The completion of the long-awaited Bhangel elevated road is expected to extend until the end of July. However, residents of the area, particularly traders from the Bhangel, Salarpur, and Barola markets located below and around the elevated road, are frustrated over the pathetic condition of the road, which is broken and leads to waterlogging during the monsoon. Apart from this, clogged sewers and all-around encroachment have exacerbated the situation.Amit Chauhan, who operates a mobile shop under the Bhangel elevated road, states that the ongoing construction has been a nightmare for shopkeepers. They suffered financial losses for five years due to customers being unable to reach their shops amid the constant construction activities. “Since the road beneath the elevated road was not rebuilt, there are significant sewer problems in the Bhangel and Salarpur areas. This causes water stagnation, particularly during the monsoon, posing risks for dengue and malaria. Additionally, potholes throughout the road make it difficult to navigate. As a result, businesses in these markets experienced a drastic drop in customer footfall,” Chauhan explained.Amit Gupta, a chartered accountant in the area, emphasised that encroachment by shopping carts on the road leaves little space for commuters. “The limited remaining road is either used for parking or is filled with water puddles,” noted Gupta, who runs a coaching centre for CA students and mentioned that students face significant challenges getting to the centre. “It was incredibly challenging over the past five years to manage rent payments due to the low number of students attending, which can be attributed to the conditions below the elevated road,” Gupta added.Other residents share similar concerns. Sandeep Tyagi, the President of the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Bhangel, pointed out that property rents have decreased, and many construction projects were halted as rental income plummeted since the start of 2020. “Bhangel and Salarpur are in disarray, facing civic issues that remain unaddressed,” Tyagi stated.Ranjan Tomar, President of the Noida Village Residents Association (NOVRA), remarked that while there are expectations for the elevated road to be completed by the end of July, both residents and traders in the area remain sceptical. “We received multiple completion dates, and each time, no one knows when the situation will actually improve. Until then, the chaos beneath the elevated road continues,” Tomar said.A response from the authority is awaited on the matter.
