Chandigarh's Potholes Cost Owners Rs 500 Crore Annually

Potholes on Chandigarh’s roads are inflicting a heavy financial burden on vehicle owners, costing them a staggering Rs 500 crore annually. This alarming figure comes from a recent study conducted by Punjab Engineering College (PEC), which emphasizes the deteriorating state of the city’s infrastructure. With over 10.58 lakh registered vehicles, including 4.83 lakh two-wheelers and 5.46 lakh cars, the impact on residents is significant.

According to the study, the current state of 225 km of roads is deplorable, requiring repairs amounting to Rs 33 crore, while an additional 180 km of inner sector roads need urgent re-carpeting at an estimated cost of Rs 42 crore. Professor Pardeep Kumar Gupta, who led the study, noted that the poor road conditions add an average of Rs 4,100 in extra costs per vehicle each year, significantly contributing to the total annual burden.

Car owners, on average, face an annual expenditure of Rs 6,000, while two-wheeler owners pay about Rs 2,000, and transport vehicle owners incur costs of Rs 4,000 due to potholes. The study indicates that car owners alone contribute around Rs 328 crore to this total, highlighting the financial strain on residents.

The consequences of neglecting road maintenance extend beyond finances. Vehicles suffer wear and tear on suspension systems, shock absorbers, and tires, leading to increased repair costs and safety risks. Frequent jolting from potholes can make two-wheelers unstable, while cars and transport vehicles face a higher likelihood of costly suspension failures.

Moreover, navigating broken roads increases fuel consumption due to more frequent braking and acceleration. Poor road geometry reduces engine efficiency, resulting in additional fuel costs for Chandigarh’s vehicle fleet. The study estimates that these factors collectively lead to significant financial drains on residents.

Despite these alarming findings, local authorities, including the UT Administration and the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC), have been criticized for their inaction. While the MCC recently announced that road repair work has commenced, residents urge for priority attention to the worst-affected stretches.

In conclusion, the findings from this PEC study underscore the urgent need for improved road conditions in Chandigarh. The financial and safety implications of the current state of roads are alarming, and immediate action is necessary to alleviate the burden on vehicle owners.