Death Lurks At Kalamna Ghat Curve,Beware Of Rainwater-Filled Potholes
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Nagpur: The sharp curve at Kalamna Ghat has turned into a nightmare for motorists, as deep rain-induced potholes continue to pose a serious threat to life and vehicles.
The recent spell of heavy rain has left gaping craters submerged under muddy water, making them invisible to approaching vehicles.
With no barricades, warning sign boards, or interim repairs carried out, daily commuters say the potholes have effectively turned into death traps.
Motorcyclists, auto drivers, and even heavy vehicle operators are bearing the brunt of the deteriorating road conditions.
"The potholes are completely hidden under water. One wrong turn and you can fall off or damage your vehicle badly," said Shahnawaz Sheikh, a local resident and regular commuter.
"It gets worse after sundown because there's hardly any street lighting. We're forced to slow down and pray we don't hit something," he added.
Abhishek Singh, a trucker who frequents the ghat while transporting goods to and from Kalamna Market, echoed the concern. "Driving a loaded truck here is risky. My front axle hit one of the hidden potholes and it jolted the whole cabin. If someone is behind or overtaking, an accident is inevitable," he said.
by Taboola
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Even civic workers aren't spared. A sanitary worker driving an NMC garbage truck said, "Every day I pass through this stretch and I worry about overturning or damaging the tyres."
Locals claim that due to the narrow and curved alignment of the road, even small potholes can lead to dangerous outcomes. With rainwater flooding the entire curve, these potholes effectively become invisible traps. Small vehicles, especially two-wheelers, have a high risk of skidding or getting stuck.
Adding to the frustration is the perceived inaction by civic authorities. "We've been flagging this issue for weeks now. But all that's been done is a visit or two from engineers. No actual work," said a resident from the nearby housing colony.
When contacted, a Public Works Department (PWD) official confirmed that repair plans are underway. "Deputy engineers have surveyed their respective areas to assess rain-related damage. All vulnerable and damaged spots, including Kalamna Ghat, have been studied, and work orders will be initiated shortly," the official told TOI.
The issue was also tabled during the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) meeting on Friday. "All such critical locations have been formally proposed and forwarded for urgent action," the official added.
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