Bad road claims life in West Bengal’s Asansol

In Asansol’s Kulti area, a bicycle borne man fell down in a large ditch that was dug up to repair roads in the area. File photo used for representational purpose only. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

West Bengal’s Asansol district reported one fatality due to poor road conditions ahead of the monsoons. In another part of the State in South 24 Parganas, Sonarpur area locals stated a protest and blocked roads over similar issues and demanded immediate action from authorities to repair the dangerous roads. 

In Asansol’s Kulti area, a bicycle borne man fell down in a large ditch that was dug up to repair roads in the area. The man died after the fatal fall. Locals have alleged that the roads have been in bad shape for years and the authorities have dragged their feet to finish repair works. 

The repair works started two weeks back, but the huge ditch did not have any danger indicators and in the dark of the night the cycle borne man fell into it accidentally on Sunday (May 25) and died immediately. Due to heavy rains on Sunday, the ditch was full of water which made the situation dire. 

The area has been cordoned off after the tragic death, but the locals alleged that there was no barricade or danger signage on the day of the incident. 

In a related development, locals in Sonarpur area’s Pratapnagar erupted in protests on Tuesday (May 27) as the condition of the main road passing through the area remained potholed and dangerous. 

Police tried to negotiate with the locals, but they demanded immediate assurance before they lifted the road blockade. 

“In the current condition of the roads, we can’t even walk properly, let alone drive motor vehicles. We have to take long detours due to the bad road conditions, even in case of medical emergencies, to reach hospitals. What is the government doing?” a local protesting resident said. 

Locals also alleged that autorickshaws, cars, and bikes in the area have to drive with caution and stay in constant fear of vehicles turning over due to the deteriorated road conditions. 

Meanwhile, heavy rains have battered most parts of West Bengal as the south-west monsoons approach closer through the Bay of Bengal. Poor road conditions in various parts of the State have become a concern amid the heavy rains.  

Published - May 28, 2025 10:52 am IST