Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): A partially completed road connecting Mundi to Dudhwas village has become a serious hazard for locals. The road construction, carried out under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, includes a culvert built for Rs 56 lakh.
The main problem lies in the difference in the level between the culvert and the connecting road, creating a dangerous drop. Additionally, there are no protective railings on the curved turn near the culvert, making it extremely risky for pedestrians and vehicles.
Villagers Virendra Malviya and Rupesh Rathore reported that they repeatedly requested the contractor to install safety railings and fix a large gap between the road and culvert during construction. Unfortunately, these pleas were ignored.
The contractor temporarily filled the area with gravel, but this would wash away during rains. The 5-km stretch of road was reportedly built by Yash Construction from Indore.
According to information displayed on a project board at the site, the culvert construction cost about Rs 56 lakh and was completed in 2023 with a five-year guarantee from the contractor.
Uttam Pal Singh from Pal Association, Purni said that his firm only constructed the 18-meter culvert under the scheme and was not responsible for the road construction.
When contacted, AM Sisodia, general manager of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana unit Khandwa, acknowledged that there was a gap between the road and culvert.
He said that they will construct a boundary wall along the culvert and also ensure that there is no gap between the road and culvert. “This work will be completed before monsoon,” Sisodia added.
