Hyderabad, a bustling metropolis and a hub of technological advancement, is grappling with a persistent and perilous problem: the ubiquitous road pothole.
Once a city of pearls now is city of potholes . These craters, scars on the city’s infrastructure, are not merely an inconvenience; they are a significant cause of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, while simultaneously disrupting the daily lives of countless commuters.
A Dangerous Reality: Accidents and Deaths
The alarming state of Hyderabad’s roads has directly contributed to a rise in accidents. Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, frequently losing balance and skidding on poorly maintained roads, especially during the rainy season when potholes become waterlogged and treacherous. In a single day, four deaths were reported due to motorcycles skidding on bad roads in Hyderabad. In 2022 alone, 11 lives were lost and 64 people were injured due to potholes in Hyderabad. This paints a grim picture of the dangers lurking beneath the city’s surface.
Inconvenience and Daily Commute Nightmare
Beyond the immediate danger of accidents, potholes inflict daily inconvenience on Hyderabad’s commuters. Navigating these damaged roads leads to:
* Traffic Congestion: Vehicles slow down drastically or swerve dangerously to avoid potholes, causing bottlenecks and increasing travel time for everyone.
* Vehicle Damage: Potholes can damage tires, wheels, suspension systems, and the undercarriage of vehicles, leading to costly repairs for commuters.
* Increased Wear and Tear: The constant jolting and maneuvering on bad roads accelerate the general wear and tear of vehicles.
* Disruption to Daily Schedules: Longer commute times due to pothole-induced traffic snarls disrupt work schedules, school runs, and other daily activities.
* Safety Concerns: The risk of accidents and injuries due to potholes creates constant anxiety and stress for commuters.
Citizen Frustration and Calls for Action
Residents of Hyderabad have voiced their frustration and anger over the deteriorating road conditions. Numerous complaints have been lodged with municipal authorities, often highlighting the lack of prompt action. Instances of citizens protesting the bad road conditions, even by sitting in water-filled potholes, underscore the severity of the issue and the desperation for solutions.
Government Initiatives and the Way Forward
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Telangana government and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have initiated some measures:
* T-RACSHA App: A mobile application was launched to enable citizens to lodge complaints about damaged roads, including potholes, and track the status of repairs. While initially covering roads under the Roads & Buildings department, its services are expected to extend to GHMC and other local bodies.
* Citizen’s Charter: The GHMC finalized a Citizen’s Charter, promising to fill potholes within 24 hours of a complaint being registered at the Ward Offices.
* Pothole Repair Drives: The government has reported filling a significant number of potholes in recent months.
* AI for Pothole Detection: Efforts were explored to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify and assess the severity of potholes for more efficient repairs.
* Road Condition Mapping: The GHMC is planning to use high-tech oblique camera technology to document the history of its road network for better maintenance and to prevent wasteful recarpeting.
While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, consistent and effective implementation is crucial. Timely repairs, proactive maintenance to prevent the formation of potholes, and ensuring the quality of road works are essential to alleviate the dangers and inconveniences faced by Hyderabad’s commuters.
The safety and smooth flow of traffic in this growing metropolis depend heavily on well-maintained, pothole-free roads.
