Sordid state of roads
The sordid state of road infrastructure in scenic hilly areas is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed urgently. Whether popular tourist destinations or just hillside villages, the lack of safe and reliable roads causes massive damage to the economy and unnecessary loss of life. Just this week, a goods truck being used to transport passengers fell into a ravine in Hub district, killing 17 people.
Even in less extreme situations, inadequate road networks make it difficult for residents to access basic services such as healthcare and education, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Road accidents that cost dozens of lives are a regular occurrence, and while drivers and transport operators definitely shoulder a significant share of the blame — overloading, rash driving and poorly maintained vehicles are all factors — the police and various city officials’ failure to enforce standards and rules is equally to blame. Accidents caused by overloaded transport vehicles would be impossible if regulators actually punished the practice instead of looking the other way, sometimes in return for ‘bonus pay’.
Meanwhile, the state of the roads is solely the government’s responsibility. Improving the quality of roads and making them safer can go a long way in reducing accidents and saving lives. But far from upgrading roads, several routes to premier tourist attractions still lack basic lighting and road safety signs. Another reason for improving road infrastructure is the environment. Though it sounds counter-intuitive, better roads also mean fewer traffic jams, while better enforcement of road-worthiness rules for vehicles means fewer smoke-emitting vehicles on the same roads, which means less carbon monoxide being released, thus improving air quality.
Federal, provincial and local government leaders need to sit together and figure out ways to address road infrastructure deficiencies in ways that improve the quality of life for residents, boost the tourism industry and protect the environment for future generations.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2024.
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