Mumbai, Oct. 23 -- Gwalior's Municipal Corporation has prepared a plan to construct and widen 28 major roads at a cost of Rs. 1.08 bn, as potholes and dust continue to affect daily travel across the city. The proposal is intended to improve important routes and provide longer-lasting relief, but concerns over construction quality have raised questions about whether the work will address residents' problems.

The plan covers routes including AG Office to Silver Estate, Hotel Sunbeam to Mansingh Chauraha, Tiger Chowk to Dane Baba Chauraha, Bhind Road to Central Academy, Hazira Chauraha to Birla Nagar Bridge and Char Shahar Ka Naka. It also includes Ladhedi to Jalalpur, Kampoo Police Station to Gudi-Gudi Ka Naka, Madhoganj Police Station to Hemsingh Ki Parade, and Maharaj Bada to Gasht Ka Tazia. Assistant Town Planner Amit Gupta said the plan was prepared under the state government's Dwarka Scheme through the efforts of Municipal Commissioner Abhishek Chaudhary.

Potholes have been reported in Gole Ka Mandir, Chetakpuri, Shatabdi Puram and Deendayal Nagar, while roads in City Centre are also in poor condition. Some roads have sunk again after construction, prompting concerns about the standard of work. The matter has reached the High Court, with the Public Works Department and the Municipal Corporation at odds over responsibility for the condition of the roads.

The city had earlier announced a dust-free road scheme covering 18 roads and 40 km, involving water sprinkling and a target of planting 100,000 saplings. Questions have since been raised about the results of that initiative. Complaints have also emerged that construction of the proposed elevated road from Phoolbagh to Girwai, estimated at Rs. 9.26 bn, is contributing to the city's dust problem.

The new road programme will be judged not only by the number of routes completed but also by the durability of the work. The Municipal Corporation will need to address existing potholes, maintain construction standards and limit dust during project execution. For commuters, success will mean roads that remain usable under regular traffic and make everyday journeys safer and more comfortable.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.