Garuda-Kataharia Road in Rautahat Faces Severe Deterioration, Locals Warn of Monsoon Blockade

Rautahat. Due to the dilapidated condition of the Garuda-Kataharia road in the central part of Rautahat for years, the general public, students, farmers, traders, and patients are forced to suffer daily. Locals have warned that the road could be completely blocked during the monsoon if maintenance is not carried out immediately.

According to locals, there are potholes 2 to 3 feet deep in various places on the road. During the monsoon, these potholes fill with water, causing vehicles to get stuck, increasing the risk of accidents, and making transportation even more difficult.

The blacktopping of the road has crumbled in most places, leading to excessive dust during the dry season. Locals complain that the dust affects the lives of citizens living along the road, increases respiratory problems, fills houses and shops with dust, and pollutes the environment.

The Jhanjhapul-Kataharia-Birti road is one of the main roads connecting Rautahat's district headquarters Gaur and Sarlahi. Although thousands of passengers and vehicles use this road daily, locals say that due to the pathetic condition of the road, it takes a long time to cover even short distances.

According to businessmen, delays in transportation, frequent breakdowns of vehicles, and increased maintenance costs due to the damaged road are directly affecting business operations. Farmers have also stated that they are incurring financial losses because they cannot get their agricultural produce to the market on time.

Locals say that motorcycle riders are at the highest risk. They say that even with light rain, the potholes get covered with water, increasing the possibility of accidents. The daily lives of the local population are affected as ambulances, school buses, and public transport vehicles cannot operate smoothly.

Ward Chairman Chandan Kushwaha of Kataharia Municipality-4 stated that the Jhanjhapul-Kataharia-Birti road is the main route for the daily commute of thousands of citizens in this area, and its immediate repair is necessary.

He said, "Although the road has been in a dilapidated state for years, the concerned bodies do not seem to have taken the necessary interest. During the monsoon, passengers, students, patients, and farmers are most affected due to potholes, mud, and water accumulation. Therefore, we strongly demand that the concerned bodies ensure safe and smooth transportation by immediately repairing and maintaining the road."

Locals have complained that despite repeatedly drawing the attention of the concerned bodies, no effective action has been taken. They have demanded that the potholes be filled, drainage systems be arranged, and the road be upgraded and constructed with quality blacktopping in the long term, making it operational before the monsoon.

Locals have also warned that if the repair work does not start on time, they will be forced to announce phased protest programs."