Local residents finally erupted in protest against the miserable condition of the dilapidated road adjacent to Real Phatak between Ward Nos. 75 and 56 of the Asansol Corporation. On Friday morning, a road blockade was staged expressing intense anger, demanding a permanent solution to this long-standing problem.
Residents alleged that the dilapidated condition of this road is not a recent issue. For many years, locals have been demanding the repair of this road. From the former Left regime to the present government—despite repeated appeals to various quarters, no permanent steps have been taken except for some temporary patchwork. Even light rain causes waterlogging and fills the road with potholes, leading to frequent minor and major accidents.
Locals claimed that autos, toto rickshaws, and bikes overturn almost daily due to this dangerous road. Notably, on Thursday night, a woman fell on this pothole-ridden road, suffering serious injuries including a broken arm. Just the next day, on Friday morning, another biker lost control for the same reason and was thrown onto the road. Losing patience over these recurring accidents, the residents took to the streets.
As the situation escalated, local residents blocked the road in the Real Phatak area on Friday morning. As a result, severe traffic congestion occurred for nearly an hour, causing immense suffering to commuters. Upon receiving the news, representatives from the local police station and the concerned SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) authorities quickly arrived at the scene.
During the protest, lengthy discussions took place between the SAIL authorities and the residents. Based on the assurances given by the authorities, the blockade was finally lifted. SAIL authorities stated that, for now, temporary measures would be taken to quickly fill the potholes to avoid accidents. Additionally, permanent concreting or renovation work on the road will be initiated under SAIL's initiative right after the upcoming Durga Puja.
Meanwhile, video footage of the protest showed that locals expressed strong anger not only towards the SAIL authorities but also regarding the role of the current state government. The angry crowd questioned why the road was not repaired despite long-standing promises of development. However, a section of residents expressed hope for quick relief from this plight, placing faith in the goodwill of the government. Now it remains to be seen how far SAIL authorities and the administration keep their promises and when this public suffering comes to a permanent end.
