Residents of the Shela area in Ahmedabad are frustrated as a major pothole on O7 Club Road has left the route closed for over 76 days, despite initial promises from the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) that it would reopen within 45 days.
The pothole, which emerged on June 30, prompted AUDA to issue a public notice on July 9, indicating that the road would be closed for repairs. However, as time has dragged on, the road remains inaccessible, impacting local traffic and daily commutes.
In the interim, the alternate ‘VIP Road,’ constructed before the monsoon season, has become heavily congested, with 24-hour traffic flow leading to its deteriorating condition.
Residents report that this alternate route now has more potholes than the road closed for the repair, which increases the challenges faced by commuters along with the congestion.
Local residents and shop owners have expressed their concerns to AUDA, demanding timely repairs and clarity on when the road will be reopened.
Adding to the public outcry, there has been no official update from AUDA members regarding further steps to address the situation.
Interestingly, when Prime Minister Modi visited Ahmedabad, the 132 feet ring road potholes were filled within 24 hours, highlighting a stark contrast to the current state of roads in Shela.
Notably, work on a significant sewage line installation by Ocean Development Bank in the area has also been halted due to the big pothole.