Traders Block Road Over Stalled Lakkadpitha Four-Lane Project In Ratlam

Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh - Traders and residents of the Lakkadpitha area took to blocking a road on Wednesday to voice their discontent over the ongoing delay in completing a four-lane road project. The project, which has remained unfinished for a year, has seen parts of houses and shops demolished for construction purposes. The protesting traders kept their shops shut and displayed a board outlining their demands.

These demands include a clear deadline for the project's completion and a coordinated effort to finish all related works simultaneously. Municipal commissioner Anil Bhana visited the site to listen to the protesters' grievances, but the demonstrators insisted on meeting mayor Prahlad Patel. Patel subsequently joined the discussion and assured the protesters that the project would be completed within 58 days.

The mayor pointed out the contractor's reluctance to proceed due to the rise in bitumen prices as the reason for the delay. He also warned that if the deadline were missed, the contractor would be blacklisted. The protesters, however, had additional demands. They requested the shifting of electricity poles and trees, as well as addressing issues related to water, sewerage, and gas lines before constructing the divider.

Moreover, they sought a divider akin to the one near Badbad Hanuman Temple, regular drain cleaning to prevent mosquito breeding and disease spread, and a meticulous list of relocated trees, so the residents could aid in their upkeep. Residents also proposed keeping the road closed for up to 30 days if needed to ensure all construction-related work gets completed together.

The protesters pledged to keep a close eye on the progress against the 58-day deadline.