Lucknow: Residents of Royal Metro City Society have alleged that beautification and road-widening work around the Shaheed Capt Navneet Rai Memorial Gate at Nishatganj remained incomplete for nearly two years, creating safety risks for commuters.They said the road divider on Paper Mill Colony Road is damaged and the stretch is full of potholes, leading to frequent accidents, particularly involving two-wheelers. Residents claimed they have repeatedly approached the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, but no action was taken.Residents also alleged that the footpath and open space around the memorial have been encroached upon and are being used for illegal parking and makeshift vehicle repair workshops. They claimed tempos, loading vehicles, transport company vehicles and band operators’ vehicles are parked there for long hours, affecting traffic movement. They also alleged that anti-social elements gather at the spot in the evening.The memorial gate was built in memory of Shaheed Capt Navneet Rai, whose ancestral home is on the same road. Residents said the pending work and poor maintenance have affected both the memorial and public safety. Atul Chaturvedi said, “The damaged road and broken divider have made the stretch unsafe, especially for two-wheeler riders. Commuters drive over potholes and amid parked vehicles.”Another resident, Junaid Yusuf, said, “The gate is in honour of a soldier who laid down his life for the country, so the area must be cleaned and made free of hurdles.”Resident, Manish Seth, said illegal parking, vehicle repair work and the presence of anti-social elements had increased traffic and security concerns.Residents have appealed to the district administration, LMC and appealed to complete the project timely to restore order and peace in the area. LMC officials could not be contacted for comment despite repeated attempts.
