Potholes are bad – but can you actually do something about it? | Opinion

Do you also have a road complaint? This article is for you!

I drove to work today. 10 minutes into it and I was already regretting my decision.

I usually commute through public transport. Today, I decided to get a first-hand experience of driving after the hiked traffic challans. As expected, most drivers stayed in their lane, honked less, wore seatbelts and gave indicators. This is a rare sight in Delhi. Everything was great until I hit the first pothole. And then another. And another.

What was going to be a peaceful commute, turned into a major bumpy ride pretty quick.

While I experienced this today, everyday commuters experience this daily.

Twitter is raging with a demand for better roads. Hundreds of pictures and videos of potholes and poor roads have been posted online- mocking the decision to hike traffic challans on hashtags like #GoChallanGo

Majority of the people have welcomed the change in traffic fines and agree to pay, if at fault. But, better infrastructure is a basic necessity- which is majorly lacking in our country. Monsoon makes it worse. Potholes and poor roads don’t just make driving hell, they have even claimed 3597 lives in 2017 alone. But you can make this situation better. Read on to find how.

Who is answerable for bad roads in Delhi?

Delhi roads are maintained by three departments – 

• Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
• New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
• Public Works Department (PWD)

All departments are responsible for maintaining roads in different areas of the city. All roads with a width of more than 60 feet are maintained by PWD. MCD is responsible for maintaining all the smaller roads or colony roads in Delhi. To complain, you can approach any of these authorities. 

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is further divided into – East Delhi municipal corporation (EDMC), South Delhi municipal corporation (SDMC) and North Delhi municipal corporation (NDMC). Regardless of the area you live in, you can dial the toll-free number – 1266 or their helpline number- 011-23220010 to submit your complaint. You can also visit the nearest MCD office to file a complaint.

How to file a road complaint with NDMC?

You can reach out to NDMC on their toll-free number -1533 or through their mobile app – NDMC 311. Complaints related to potholes, zebra crossings, waterlogging, speed breaker construction can be lodged with them. They will review your complaint in approximately 2 days.

How to file a road complaint with PWD?

For roads wider than 60 feet – complaints can be made with PWD through their website or mobile app (PWD SEWA – The official app). You can also call on their toll-free number at 1800110093, to lodge a complaint.

In addition to these, you can also submit road complaints at the ‘Meri Sadak’ app, available for Android devices. You can even check the progress of under-construction roads in your area through the app.

Resolver’s take

Life in a metropolitan seems like a wonderful idea until you start driving in one. As Indians, we are not surprised by potholes and waterlogging on roads anymore. Being stuck in traffic for hours is not an uncomfortable feeling. On the contrary, it feels like home. The capital of India, Delhi, has a very vast road network and maintaining that involves a lot of effort. As the fines for traffic violations increase in the capital, the citizens promise to keep a check on themselves. But has the government been doing their job to maintain the roads? If not, now you know where to lodge a complaint.