Chandigarh: Once the pride of Chandigarh’s planned road network, Madhya Marg is increasingly becoming a symbol of civic neglect. Deep potholes, damaged road surfaces, malfunctioning streetlights and clogged storm water drains have turned daily commuting on stretches of the city’s busiest arterial road into a risky affair, prompting residents to question the quality of upkeep on a corridor that carries thousands of vehicles every day.The worst-hit stretch lies between Transport Chowk and Housing Board Chowk, particularly on the bridges over the Sukhna Choe, where motorists contend with crumbling asphalt, uneven surfaces and potholes large enough to force sudden braking and lane changes. Commuters say the road, which links Chandigarh with Panchkula, Manimajra, the Industrial Area, IT Park and several northern sectors, has not seen the kind of maintenance its importance warrants.Residents allege that repeated patchwork repairs have failed to withstand heavy traffic and monsoon rains, with freshly repaired sections breaking up within weeks. The deteriorating condition has drawn sharp criticism from civic groups.RK Garg, president of the Second Innings Association (SIA), questioned how one of Chandigarh’s most prominent roads had been allowed to fall into such disrepair despite adequate funds with the UT engineering department. He called for a ground-level inspection by senior officers and accountability for the poor state of maintenance.Commuters say the condition of the Sukhna Choe bridges has become the most troublesome part of the journey. Two-wheeler riders, in particular, fear accidents as vehicles often swerve suddenly to avoid potholes on the busy stretch.Safety concerns are further compounded by non-functional streetlights at several locations. Residents say poor illumination makes it difficult to spot potholes after dark, increasing the risk of accidents and vehicle damage.Adding to the woes are clogged roadside gullies that have not been adequately desilted despite the monsoon. Even moderate rainfall leads to water accumulation on the carriageway, concealing potholes beneath stagnant water and making driving even more hazardous.With temporary fixes offering little relief, commuters are demanding comprehensive recarpeting of the entire stretch, repairs to the damaged bridges, restoration of streetlights and regular desilting of drains instead of short-term measures.Residents say the condition of the corridor stands in stark contrast to Chandigarh’s image as the City Beautiful, arguing that one of its most important roads deserves far better maintenance and sustained attention from civic agencies.
