Lucknow’s road infrastructure, exposing critical vulnerabilities and raising alarms about the city’s preparedness for heavy downpours. Roads throughout the city, including key stretches in Gomti Nagar, Vibhuti Khand, and Jankipuram, have been severely impacted, with extensive potholes and damage that pose serious risks to motorists.
The road linking Vipul Khand in Gomti Nagar to the underpass leading to Janeshwar Park now features a 50-metre stretch riddled with large potholes. These gaps in the road surface have created hazardous driving conditions, potentially trapping vehicles and causing significant disruptions for commuters. Similar damage is evident on the route in Vibhuti Khand leading to the Summit Building, which has suffered from about 70 metres of deterioration, and in Khargapur, where a 100-metre section has been severely compromised. The situation is further exacerbated in Jankipuram Extension, where a road section has been washed away, leaving a trail of loose stones and impeding smooth traffic flow. The recurring problem in Vibhuti Khand is particularly concerning. Despite repairs by the responsible agency, the road deteriorates rapidly following each bout of rainfall, leading to persistent traffic jams and heightened accident risks, especially at night.
Residents and commuters have voiced growing frustration over the continual neglect of road maintenance. “Every year, after the rains, the condition of the road deteriorates,” noted a local café owner. “We need a more sustainable solution to this recurring problem.” Similarly, a commuter emphasised ongoing issues with waterlogging in underpass areas, which not only complicates travel for two-wheeler riders but also aggravates road damage. In response, Lucknow Municipal Commissioner Inderjeet Singh assured that repairs would be expedited. “We will address the damaged roads promptly and ensure they are brought back to a serviceable condition,” Singh stated.
However, there is a call from residents for a more proactive approach to road maintenance, with suggestions to hold contractors accountable for shoddy work and to establish regular monitoring to prevent frequent damage. As the city grapples with the fallout from recent rains, the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve road infrastructure and maintenance becomes increasingly urgent. The current state of disrepair not only affects daily commutes but also highlights the broader issue of urban planning and infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather conditions.
