NAROWAL: The New Lahore Road has large potholes on its both sides, causing frequent accidents.

Heavy rains some days back made huge cracks on the roadsides, making it difficult for the vehicles to ply on it.

The New Lahore Road from Narowal to Raia Khas Stop is 10 to 15 feet above the ground level and accident victims, especially motorcyclists and riders of three-wheelers, roll down the sides of the road.

Residents of Narowal, Zafarwal and Shakargarh also travel on New Lahore Road to reach the provincial capital. The Sikh pilgrims coming to Pakistan from all over the world and India via Wagah border also use the New Lahore Road to reach Kartarpur. However, such an important road has become dangerous for commuters due to daily wear and tear and potholes.

Muhammad Tanveer, a resident of Darianwala village, says that a few days ago a family on motorcycle fell down the roadside and a woman and her son died on the spot. He bemoans new drivers on the road often get meet accidents due to potholes.

Passenger van drivers Muhammad Akram and Abdul Hameed say human lives are lost on the road and the vehicles also get damaged in road accidents.

Narowal Rescue 1122 spokesman Hurmat Ali says the increase in accidents is due to potholes on the New Lahore Road and adds that traffic on the road has been reduced as compared to the past and traffic load has now shifted to Narowal-Muridke Road. It takes longer for the commuters to reach Lahore by using that road but the passengers are forced to travel more than 30km for their safety.

Punjab Highways Department Chief Engineer Malik Riaz says he is aware of the large potholes on the sides of the New Lahore Road. He says he would inform the executive engineer to get the road repaired.

The citizens belonging to the area have appealed to Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar for immediate repair and maintenance of the road so the passenger could safely travel from Narowal to Lahore.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2021