Разрушенный забор на неработающей трассе BRTS в Чехарте создал смертельную опасность для пешеходов

A broken section of a railing along the non-functional Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor outside Government Girls School, Chheharta, has become a major safety hazard for commuters. Around a month ago, the Punjab Government had announced dismantling of the nearly decade-old BRTS corridor, which was non-functional for the past two years. However, before the dismantling work could begin, unidentified persons uprooted a portion of the iron railing. Residents said what initially appeared to be a convenient passage has now become a dangerous blind spot. They claimed that two to three minor accidents or near-misses are being reported at the stretch daily, raising fears that a major accident could occur anytime, particularly involving two-wheelers. The problem has been compounded by a foot overbridge constructed as part of the BRTS infrastructure. The damaged railing near the structure creates a blind spot, making it difficult for the commuters coming from either side to see vehicles passing through the opening. Kanwalpreet Singh, a member of the Chheharta Sangharsh Committee, said the stretch had become a serious safety concern. “People are being forced to use the broken portion to cross the road. The situation becomes particularly dangerous during school hours when students and parents use the stretch,” he said. He said an ASI was injured after being hit by a scooter on Monday. A day ago, another scooter rider had a narrow escape when an e-rickshaw collided with his vehicle at the same spot. Raman Sharma, another resident, said a Thar and a car also collided at the location a few days ago. “The unauthorised opening is not only causing inconvenience to commuters, but also putting pedestrians and motorists at risk,” he said. The committee has urged the administration to either repair the damaged railing or temporarily close the opening until a permanent solution is found. Kulwant Singh, another resident, said authorities should intervene to avoid a major accident. The committee has also sought an inspection of the entire stretch and immediate restoration of the railing. The Rs 600-crore BRTS project, launched nearly a decade ago, has now reached the end of the road. Amritsar West MLA Jasbir Singh Sandhu had announced that approval had been granted for dismantling the corridor. The Metro Bus service has remained shut since July 2023, while its fleet of 92 buses has been lying idle at the Verka Bypass depot.