A 7-kilometer corridor from Kathgodam Coltax intersection to Kriyashala has become a daily test of patience for commuters, owing to about 155 potholes reported along the route. A large metal structure at the Coltax junction does not obstruct traffic, but a water-filled pothole about 100 meters ahead forces sudden slowdowns during rain. Roughly 200 meters later, 2 smaller potholes appear in front of Adarsh Public School. Shopkeepers say these holes existed even before the rains, and splashes from passing vehicles reach nearby stores. In front of Gazri Nagar colony gate, a pothole and a larger one line the roadway, while near the Hydel Gate junction after the Lazer Hospital, 5 potholes mark the deteriorating road condition.
Vendor and trader voices describe the impact vividly. A fruit vendor notes multiple minor accidents caused by the potholes, and motorists often stop unexpectedly as holes disrupt speed. Panjakkhi Chowk and its approach toward Mukani see similar issues, with uneven surfaces and sections where road layers are missing. Rain fills the holes, making them more dangerous, while dry periods spread dust into shopfronts, affecting daily business. Shopkeepers say customer traffic has declined as people bypass the damaged stretch, choosing alternative routes.
Traffic data from a UDSA-conducted survey show daily movement of 7,949 vehicles from Kathgodam Coltax junction to Panchaaki and 22,047 vehicles from Panchaaki to Mukani. These volumes underline the road’s importance and the scale of disruption when potholes appear.
Officials indicate the Panchaaki to Mukani section was constructed in 2021-22 and has since undergone repairs. Over the past 6 months, the area has been handed over to a new agency, with sewer work planned after the monsoon season. Once these projects are completed, a reconstruction of the road is anticipated.
Social media has amplified the pothole issue, with reels and memes highlighting the cluster of holes and the disruption they cause to daily travel. Local residents and business owners describe the problem as ongoing and persistent, affecting both passenger and commercial traffic.
Conclusion
The degraded road between Kathgodam Coltax and Kriyashala remains a critical transport bottleneck, with official plans tied to -m monsoon sewer work and a subsequent rebuild. Until then, daily commuters face hazards and local businesses endure reduced footfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the length of the impacted road stretch?
The affected segment runs about 7 kilometers from Kathgodam Coltax to Kriyashala.
Q. How many potholes are reported on this route?
About 155 potholes are reported along the 7-kilometer stretch.
Q. What is the daily traffic volume on this road?
UDSA traffic data show 7,949 vehicles from Kathgodam Coltax to Panchaaki and 22,047 from Panchaaki to Mukani daily.
Q. What factors worsen the potholes seasonally?
Rainy seasons fill potholes with water, increasing danger and slowing traffic.
Q. What is the planned remedy and timeline?
Sewer work is planned after the monsoon, with road reconstruction to follow once the sewer project is completed.
Q. Have the potholes affected local businesses?
Yes, business has declined as customers divert to alternate routes; vendors report multiple minor incidents.
Q. When did the Panchaaki to Mukani road construction occur?
Construction was completed in the 2021-22 period.
Q. Which authorities are involved in the road's upkeep?
Officials say the road was handed over to a new agency in the last 6 months.
Q. Is there public awareness or social discussion about the potholes?
Yes, the issue has circulated widely on social media, including reels and memes about off-road conditions in the area.
