Bad roads make life miserable for tourists in Aurangabad

Aurangabad: “The place has a rich heritage but I may not recommend it to my friends back home. The roads need some work,” said US citizen Javier Santos during his visit to Aurangabad recently.

Javier had come all the way from Texas to see the world heritage sites Ajanta and Ellora Caves. He also made it a point to visit the Bibi-ka-Maqbara in the city but was greatly disappointed with the road infrastructure.

Gyanendar Gaur, a Faridabad resident was in the city with his family to witness its rich history this month. He was, however, shocked to see the road leading to Bibi-ka-Maqbara riddled with potholes.

“A little effort by the local administration can definitely make the entire experience better. The condition of roads is very bad and we had to experience bumps while having a baby on board,” he said.

The apathetic attitude of the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is actually dissuading tourists from coming to the city. The poor condition of roads leading to historic gates as well as to Bibi-ka-Maqbara and Panchakki is leaving the visitors in bad taste, not to mention the drains overflowing at some spots.

People coming from Cidco, Chikalthana Airport and Town Hall and wanting to reach the Bibi-ka-Maqbara and Panchakki, the 17th century engineering wonder, while crossing the historic gates like Makai Gate and Barapulla Gate have to battle the bad roads.

Lately, the approach roads to these historic sites have developed potholes and craters. Apart from heavy domestic and foreign tourist flow on these stretches, residents commuting to their work or educational institute too are at the receiving end.

According to Sunita Wilson, who has to ride to the Government Medical College and Hospital every day via Makai Gate, two-wheeler riders encounter craters that often lead to accidents. “During the monsoon, pedestrians and two-wheeler riders struggle the most. This is one of the busiest roads in the city,” she said, adding that they need to be fixed at the earliest.

Social activist Syed Masud said that there are around 200 potholes on the road from Town Hall to Makai Gate that connects the VIP road to Bibi-ka-Maqbara. “The condition of roads is same for the last eight to 10 years,” he said.

Masud said the corporators and ward engineers have not shown seriousness in dealing with this problem and the grievance redressal mechanism has failed miserably. “People using these roads on a daily basis are risk developing orthopaedic problems such as backache. Will the AMC compensate them for the delay in repairing the roads,” he asked.

Asked about the continuing problem, AMC executive engineer Mohiuddin Kazi said the road from Makai Gate to Bibi-Ka-Maqbara has been included in the concretisation project. “Around 10% work has already begun and it is expected to complete by the end of August. The PWD will take up the road work from Barapulla Gate to Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University,” he said.

Kazi, however, added that the road in front of Panchakki is not under any of the projects right now.

As if the poor road infrastructure is not enough, these approach roads often see drainage water flowing. On Friday, the road in front of Barapulla Gate was flooded with drainage water, leaving a bad stink and an ugly impression.