Repair of state highway on anvil

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Feb. 11: The Malda PWD has finally adopted plans to repair the 44 km-long state highway stretching from English Bazaar town to Samsi in Ratua. However, no plan has been adopted to develop the parallel footpath.

The PWD would repair the state highway from the end point of Rathbari Flyover, by Vidyasagar statue, to Samsi in Ratua. According to the executive engineer, the first phase of the repair work would begin on Friday.

As to the rest of the highway, after recent approval from the PWD minister Mr Kshiti Goswami, the department has started a tender process concerning the repair of the entire stretch.

The executive engineer of the PWD, Mr S Das, said: “We're pleased, as the condition of the road is currently very bad. Repair is required for the benefit of the plying passengers’ buses and other vehicles. However, the restoration of the footpath is also essential, and must be effected soon.” The footpath from the end point of Rathbari Flyover to Chandan Park under the English Bazaar Municipality is currently unusable, due to deterioration and encroachment, notably by traders who have dumped stone chips, sands and other materials on the path. Pedestrians must risk their lives by using the narrow blacktop while vehicles approach from both sides on the busy state highway. The situation is not helped by trucks parked on either the side of the road ~ a result of insufficient space at the stand near Ghorapir.

In addition, a section of the footpath was dug up by the BSNL and civic body for laying a wire and water pipe line. On completion of the work, the site was not properly repaired.