Mohali, Oct. 4 -- It's illegal. It's risky. Yet pedestrians and motorists use it because it exists. And because they see others doing the same. Illegal shortcuts on roads - created by breaking the cemented median or cutting or bending the iron grilles - are tempting given that they help save on time and fuel, but also extremely dangerous, not just for those using it but also for the approaching fast-moving traffic.

A drive along the Airport Road stretch from Gopal Sweets in Kharar to Chatt lightpoint area in Zirakpur revealed that there are at least 32 such gaps in the central median, which are commonly used by motorists and pedestrians alike. All this while the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), which is responsible for ...