Bhopal: Broken Roads Turn Deadly, Locals Use Measuring Tape To Expose Killer Potholes

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A large pothole on the road between Bajrang Market and Nehru Market in Barkheda has become the face of city’s decaying road infrastructure.

The pit, measured by residents to be 10 feet long and 8 inches deep, recently claimed the life of a woman. Frustrated by civic inaction, locals have begun measuring potholes themselves to highlight the threat.

The tragic incident reflects a city-wide crisis. From Airport Road to Kolar, and Ayodhya Bypass to Hoshangabad Road, potholes have turned daily commutes into dangerous undertakings. In many areas, roads have either eroded or caved in due to ongoing metro construction and the impact of monsoon rains, worsened by the absence of any pre-monsoon maintenance.

Even a recent inspection by a Supreme Court road safety team, led by former judge Abhay Manohar Sapre, hasn’t sparked visible urgency among the city’s civic authorities.

Even GIS roads crumble

To prepare for the Global Investors Summit (GIS) held on February 24–25, 31 roads were newly constructed or repaired—22 by the PWD and 9 by the municipal corporation. Today, many of those roads are already deteriorating, raising serious concerns about the quality and accountability of the work carried out.

Worst-hit areas

Narela: Roads from Ashoka Garden to Semra have had deep potholes for 8 months. Green Park Road, Mayur Vihar, Chandbad, and Karond are also affected.

Govindpura: AIIMS, Saket Nagar, and the DRM Office–AIIMS stretch face severe damage.

Madhya (Central): Bharat Talkies–Cantonment, Ghoda Nakkas, and Bal Vihar Road are riddled with pits.

Uttar (North): Shahjahanabad to Lal Masjid, Pir Gate, and Arif Nagar are among neglected zones.

Dakshin-Pashchim (South-west): Includes posh sectors like Arera colonies, 10 No. Market, and Sai Board Square, all showing signs of wear.

Huzur: Kolar Road and parts of Sant Hirdaram Nagar, including Data Colony, are heavily impacted.

Maintenance claims

Subodh Jain, Superintendent Engineer (Mechanical) of Bhopal Municipal Corporation, said most damaged roads are still under contractor warranty and are being repaired accordingly.

For roads out of warranty, zonal teams are reportedly carrying out patchwork and repairs. Both BMC and PWD maintain that maintenance is underway across the city, though visible results remain scarce in affected areas.

Published on: Sunday, August 03, 2025, 08:57 PM IST