e-RICKSHAW OVERTURNED ON ROAD

e-RICKSHAW OVERTURNED ON ROAD

7-SEP-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA-------------------------The Kudra-Bhabhua main road, passing through the Kudra Nagar Panchayat area, has become a source of trouble for the public due to its dilapidated and crumbling condition. Large potholes dot the road, and the situation has worsened as these fill with rainwater.

Rainwater completely masks the potholes, making it impossible for drivers to gauge the depth of the water or the size of the hole. Consequently, as vehicles drive through the water, they suddenly plunge into a pothole, creating a constant risk of accidents.

A recent incident occurred near 'Smart Point' on the Kudra-Bhabhua road, where the wheel of an e-rickshaw suddenly dropped into a large, water-filled pothole. The vehicle lost its balance and overturned right on the road. The accident caused a brief period of chaos at the scene.

Fortunately, no major mishap or serious injury was reported; the e-rickshaw driver reportedly escaped without severe harm.

Mantu Singh, the e-rickshaw driver and a resident of Sasaram (Rohtas district), explained that the potholes remain invisible due to the accumulated rainwater. He was driving normally along the road when the wheel suddenly plunged into the water-filled pothole, causing the e-rickshaw to overturn.

Meanwhile, locals state that the Kudra-Bhabhua main road has been in a poor state for a long time, with large potholes forming at various points along the route. After rainfall, water accumulates in these potholes, making it difficult for drivers to distinguish between the level road surface and the potholes.

Locals claim that e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and other small vehicles frequently overturn on this route due to the potholes. According to residents, about five to six vehicles meet with accidents daily because of these potholes, resulting in numerous injuries.

People state that while the road condition is poor even under normal circumstances, the problem worsens significantly during the rainy season. Accumulated water hides the potholes from view, turning them into hazards that cause accidents for drivers.

It is worth noting that the Kudra-Bhabua main road is not merely a route for local commuting; it is a vital link connecting Bhabua—the Kaimur district headquarters—to Kudra, Rampur, and several other surrounding blocks and rural areas.

A large number of vehicles, both small and large, traverse this road daily. There is constant traffic involving e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, cars, buses, and other vehicles. Consequently, the road's dilapidated condition poses a constant risk of a major accident.

Locals explain that the potholes force drivers to slow down. Often, in an attempt to avoid oncoming traffic, drivers inadvertently steer into a pothole or lose control of their vehicle.

The situation becomes even more perilous during the rainy season. Once the large potholes fill with water, drivers cannot gauge their depth.

The danger escalates, particularly at night. In low light, water-filled potholes are invisible, and a vehicle's wheel suddenly dropping into one can lead to an accident.

According to local residents, the attention of the concerned officials and the administration has been drawn to the road's condition multiple times, yet no concrete steps have been taken so far toward a permanent solution. Local residents have demanded that the municipal administration and the concerned department immediately inspect the Kudra-Bhabua main road and fill the large potholes dotting the surface as soon as possible.

They suggest that the potholes be filled immediately to ensure safe passage, followed by permanent repairs to the road, so that motorists and pedestrians do not face difficulties during the rainy season.

Residents also warned that if the road's condition is not improved in time, a major accident could occur; the question remains as to who would be held responsible for such an eventuality.

The dilapidated state of the Kudra-Bhabua main road and the potholes submerged in rainwater have once again raised serious questions regarding road safety. The question is: how long will people continue to risk their lives while commuting on this road? How long will potholes hidden beneath rainwater continue to cause accidents?

It remains to be seen when the persistent appeals of the local residents will reach the officials of the municipal administration and the concerned department, and when concrete steps will finally be taken to repair this dilapidated road.