Nagpur: A stretch of road in New Sneh Nagar, near Jaiprakash Nagar Metro Station, was dug up over four months ago for pipeline work but hasn’t been properly restored. Despite being part of a well-connected urban pocket, the area reflects a chronic civic failure, as motorists and pedestrians face daily struggle while negotiating loose gravel, potholes and uneven road surface.Local residents say the road was left open for weeks after the pipeline work began, causing not only inconvenience but also serious safety risks. Eventually, the stretch was covered with gravel, but in the absence of proper surfacing or tarring, the situation worsened, especially after the onset of monsoon. “We have been complaining for months. Workers come and go, but say they haven’t received orders or materials. Meanwhile, our vehicles keep skidding, elders can’t walk, and school kids have to tiptoe through water-filled ditches,” said a resident, clearly frustrated by the lack of accountability.Rakesh, a nearby shopkeeper, recounted a recent incident when a young girl on a two-wheeler slipped and fell, injuring her elbow. “My staff and I had to fill that portion with mud to avoid more accidents. This can’t go on,” he said and added that water splashed from potholes by passing vehicles leave pedestrians drenched and dirty.NMC deputy engineer Abhijeet Naitam said that the hotmix department has finally given clearance for the repair work. “As soon as we receive the required materials, the gravel-filled stretch and potholes will be repaired with tar. The process is under way,” he said.However, residents remain sceptical, citing repeated delays and broken assurances. Many say that in a city aiming for smart development, basic infrastructure should not take months to fix.
