Bumpy rides for motorists along Ponda’s pothole-ridden roads

PONDA: The recently tarred roads at Ponda Bus Stand and Upper Bazaar Road have deteriorated drastically, turning into a hazardous stretch for commuters. Motorists, particularly bike riders, are navigating a treacherous path to avoid large potholes, increasing the risk of accidents with heavy vehicles such as buses.

Despite being resurfaced just one and a half months ago, the monsoon rains have washed away the asphalt, leaving behind a bumpy and unsafe road. Locals are placing the blame squarely on the contractors responsible for the shoddy roadwork.

"It is a fearful and horrific experience to ride a bike on these roads," said Vishal Fadte, a Ponda resident. "Bikers are forced to drive in a zigzag manner to avoid potholes, which increases the chances of accidents. Ponda taluka already leads in fatal accidents, most of which involve bikers. The government needs to urgently repair these roads to prevent further tragedies."

In addition to the issues at the bus stand, the newly tarred road in Kavlem has also been severely affected by the rains. While there are no potholes, the bitumen has washed away, leaving gravel scattered across the road. This poses a significant danger to bikers, who risk losing control of their vehicles. Workers have been seen attempting to clear the gravel with brooms, but the situation remains risky for the public.