Punjab AAP MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa Urges Government to Repair Damaged Link Roads in Derabassi

Punjab AAP MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa highlighted the poor condition of roads in Derabassi during a state assembly session. The roads have deteriorated since the Shambhu border closure, causing traffic to divert through these routes. Randhawa urged the state government to repair these roads to alleviate the issues faced by residents.

During the assembly's Question Hour, Randhawa emphasised that the road damage has severely affected 26 villages. He described large potholes and stressed the need for urgent repairs. The traffic diversion due to the Shambhu border closure has worsened road conditions in Derabassi.

Traffic Diversion and Road Deterioration

Punjab Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian assured Randhawa that repairs would be undertaken. He explained that the closure of the Shambhu border shifted traffic onto link roads managed by Punjab Mandi Board SAS Nagar, leading to their deterioration. Approval from competent authorities will facilitate these repairs.

The affected roads include Ambala Chandigarh road to Dangdera via Sarsini NH 22, Nimbuan Barwala road to Haryana border, Ambala Karala up to Ghaggar, Malakpur to Samgauli to Haryana border, and Jhajjon to Tiwana in Rajpura. These routes have borne the brunt of increased traffic pressure.

Impact on Local Communities

The ongoing farmer protests at Shambhu-Ambala and Khanauri Sangrur-Jind borders have contributed to this situation. Farmers, under Samyukta Kisan Morcha Non-Political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been protesting since February 13 last year. They demand legal guarantees for MSP for crops from the Centre.

Randhawa also highlighted that many devotees travel daily to the historic gurdwara Panjokhara Sahib in Haryana's Ambala. He requested that the road leading there from Derabassi be widened to accommodate this traffic.

The farmers' march towards Delhi was halted by security forces, leading them to camp at these border points. This has resulted in significant traffic rerouting through Derabassi, exacerbating road damage in the area.

The state government is expected to address these concerns promptly, ensuring smoother travel for residents and visitors alike. Repairing these roads will not only ease local commuting but also support religious tourism in the region.