Road Work Stalled for Over a Year in Surat’s Punagam, Residents Take to Streets

Residents of Punagam in Surat staged a protest on Wednesday against the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), alleging that road construction has remained incomplete for more than a year after demolition work began. With electricity poles still standing in the middle of the proposed road, residents of several societies have raised concerns over traffic congestion and accident risks ahead of Diwali.

The protesters alleged that the civic authorities had failed to complete the remaining demolition and road work. They also claimed that demolition at a nearby society was stopped due to political pressure from a BJP corporator residing in the area.

Punagam Residents Demand Completion of Pending Road Work

Residents of Deepmala Society, Nandanvan Society and Omkar Society Sections 1 and 2 organised the demonstration under the Surat Municipal Corporation's Varachha Zone.

A large number of residents joined the protest, carrying placards and raising slogans against the civic administration. A former local Congress corporator and other party leaders also participated.

Shouting slogans such as 'Give us a road', protesters demanded that the pending demolition be completed, electricity poles be shifted and the road be constructed without further delay.

Electricity Poles in Middle of Road Raise Accident Concerns

According to residents, the civic administration demolished properties more than a year ago to clear the way for road construction. However, little progress has been made since then.

Electricity poles belonging to the power distribution company remain in the middle of the proposed road, as they have not been relocated. Their presence has made it difficult for motorists to navigate the stretch and raised concerns about possible accidents.

Residents Allege Demolition Stopped Due to BJP Corporator's Influence

Residents specifically alleged that demolition work at Gitanagar Society Section 2 was deliberately halted due to political pressure because a BJP corporator lives in the area.

They claimed that properties belonging to ordinary residents were demolished, but the authorities stopped short of completing the remaining work.

During the demonstration, protesters raised slogans including 'Complete the pending demolition', 'Stop corruption, finish incomplete works' and 'The people's only demand is a road'.

They warned that the agitation would be intensified if the municipal authorities failed to complete the demolition, relocate the electricity poles and construct the road in the coming days.