The Palampur-Dharamsala bypass is a nightmare for drivers

The Palampur-Dharamsala bypass is an absolute nightmare to travel on. Due to a large pothole on the bypass that causes deadly accidents every day, commuters are a stressed bunch. For commuters, the route has essentially become a death trap. This route is used by hundreds of commuters, including tourists, to go to Mandi, Baijnath, Bir, and Dharamsala.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) was causing damage to the road at this section of the highway by leaving the sewage pipes of the Palampur bus terminal exposed, according to information obtained by The Tribune. In the last year, the issue has become worse before becoming better. On the road, there’s a pothole that is one meter deep. Because of the exposed sewage lines, the neighborhood is not only more likely to see accidents but also run the danger of experiencing a significant disease epidemic. People still suffer, nevertheless, since the HRTC has not yet taken any action.

Families living close to the Palampur bypass have complained to HRTC authorities on several occasions, requesting that the sewage lines be fixed, but nothing has been done to address this. In the lower regions of Palampur, the Bhiral khud, a source of drinking water, is being contaminated by the discharge of sewage pipes.

Sarthak Sood, an assistant engineer with PWD, said that while the agency has patched potholes several times, the roads were being harmed by the sewer’s constant flow. He said that while the PWD had earlier brought the issue to the attention of the local HRTC authority, nothing had been done about it.

The MC officials had repeatedly asked the HRTC authorities to fix the sewage pipes and tanks that were overflowing and releasing an unpleasant stench, according to Palampur MC Commissioner Ashish Sharma. He stated that the HRTC has not yet taken any action.