Around ₹5.52 crore was allocated for the construction of a five-kilometre road, but pitch has been laid on only about one and a half kilometres so far.
Even this newly constructed stretch has already developed potholes, with the pitch peeling off at several spots. Residents have alleged that substandard materials were used in the construction and have lodged complaints with the district administration.
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The incident has been reported from Kadamgachi in the Barasat-1 block. The nearly five-kilometre stretch connecting Kadamgachi through Kotra panchayat to Tentultala in Dattapukur-2 panchayat has remained in poor condition for a long time.
Despite this, the road serves as a crucial link for commuters from several villages, including Kalsara, Ula, Maniktala, Kalyani and Dattapukur.
In view of the road’s importance, the state government recently initiated repair work. The West Bengal State Roads Development Corporation (WBSRDC) issued a work order to a construction agency in April last year, with an allocation of ₹5.52 crore for the project.
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So far, repair work has been completed on only one kilometre of road out of the five kilometres. But people in the area are extremely upset seeing this newly repaired road. Villagers have alleged that government rules were not followed in the repair work.
Resident Raja Guchhait said, "The work is not yet completely finished. Even then, the road has broken down. During the monsoon, this road will return to its previous condition again."
District Panchayat Executive Engineer Dipak Lahiri said, "I am not aware of this matter. I will inspect this road soon and take action."
