In a demonstration of civil activism, residents from three villages took to the Delhi-Jaipur Highway on Wednesday, demanding the construction of an underpass or a flyover to facilitate safer crossing. The protest, which momentarily disrupted traffic, underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure in the region.
The blockade occurred near Rathiwas village, causing a brief yet notable traffic interruption. According to police reports, the demonstrators commenced their march from the village’s tempo stand around midday, converging onto the highway with a sit-in protest. Despite concerted efforts by police personnel to dissuade the protesters, the determined villagers proceeded with their plan. Their demonstration highlights the persistent safety concerns faced by residents who must navigate the busy thoroughfare daily.
“The demand for an underpass at Rathiwas was made about two decades ago. The government and administration had assured us that it will be built. But till date work has not started. We had warned administration. We were forced to block the highway to press our demand,” a demonstrator, said.
The villagers’ demand for an underpass or flyover is not merely a call for convenience but a crucial plea for safety. The Delhi-Jaipur Highway is a major arterial road, and the lack of safe crossing options has posed significant risks to pedestrians, including school children, elderly residents, and daily commuters.
Authorities, including Sub Divisional Magistrate Darshan Yadav and officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), promptly responded to the situation. They engaged with the protesters, assuring them that their demands would be communicated to higher authorities. This immediate response reflects the administration’s recognition of the gravity of the villagers’ concerns. A senior police officer provided insights into the resolution of the protest, noting that the demonstrators dispersed around 1 pm following the opening of a closed road from the highway. This temporary measure offered a semblance of relief, though the underlying issue of safe crossing remains unresolved.
