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Sonkatch-Dewas Highway Plagued by Potholes, Waterlogging

Potholes and waterlogging on the Sonkatch-Dewas highway raise safety concerns, despite toll collection. Locals demand immediate action.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Thu, 16 July 2026 at 12:20 am
Sonkatch-Dewas Highway Plagued by Potholes, Waterlogging

The Sonkatch-Dewas stretch of the Indore-Bhopal State Highway in Madhya Pradesh has become a safety hazard due to damaged road shoulders, potholes, and waterlogging. The condition of the highway has raised serious concerns among locals, who claim that maintenance has not kept pace with the regular toll collection.

The highway has developed eroded shoulders in several sections, creating a significant height difference between the road surface and its edges. This has made it difficult for vehicles that slip off the carriageway to return safely, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, waterlogging has become a major problem at various locations, including Gandharvpuri Phata, Ghattiya Bhana Phata, Pushpagiri Tirth, and near the Agricultural Produce Market gate.

During heavy rainfall, submerged potholes become invisible, posing a hazard to two-wheelers, cars, buses, and heavy vehicles. Residents have alleged that only temporary patchwork is carried out every year, while permanent drainage and shoulder repairs are ignored. They have also claimed that adequate warning signs, reflectors, and other safety measures are missing at accident-prone locations.

Locals have demanded an immediate safety audit, restoration of damaged shoulders as per technical standards, permanent drainage solutions, and prompt pothole repairs. According to Nevri Phata Toll Manager Shiv Kumar Sharma, repair and maintenance work is underway on nearly 150 km of the highway. However, he stated that it is not yet possible to specify when work on the Sonkatch stretch will be completed.

The condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway is a concern for commuters who use the route regularly. The highway is an important connectivity link between Indore and Bhopal, and its poor condition can have serious consequences. The lack of proper maintenance and safety measures has made the highway prone to accidents, and it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address the issue.

The demand for a safety audit and permanent repairs is not unfounded, given the frequency of accidents on the highway. The presence of potholes, waterlogging, and damaged shoulders creates a perfect storm of hazards that can be devastating for commuters. It is crucial that the authorities prioritize the maintenance and repair of the highway to ensure the safety of commuters.

In recent years, the Indian government has emphasized the importance of road safety and has launched several initiatives to improve the condition of highways across the country. However, the condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway highlights the need for more concerted efforts to address the issue of road safety.

The Sonkatch-Dewas highway is not an isolated example of a poorly maintained highway in India. Several highways across the country are plagued by similar problems, including potholes, waterlogging, and damaged shoulders. The issue of road safety is a complex one, requiring a multi-faceted approach that involves not only the maintenance of highways but also the enforcement of traffic laws and the education of commuters.

In conclusion, the condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway is a serious concern that requires immediate attention from the authorities. The demand for a safety audit, permanent repairs, and improved safety measures is a legitimate one, and it is essential that the authorities prioritize the maintenance and repair of the highway to ensure the safety of commuters.

The issue of road safety is a critical one, and it is essential that the authorities take a proactive approach to addressing the problem. By prioritizing the maintenance and repair of highways, enforcing traffic laws, and educating commuters, it is possible to reduce the number of accidents on Indian roads and make them safer for all users.

The condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway is a wake-up call for the authorities to take immediate action to address the issue of road safety. It is essential that the authorities learn from the experiences of other countries and implement best practices to improve the condition of highways and reduce the number of accidents.

In the end, the safety of commuters is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of not only the authorities but also the commuters themselves. By working together, it is possible to create a safer and more efficient transportation system that benefits everyone.

The Sonkatch-Dewas highway is an important connectivity link between Indore and Bhopal, and its poor condition can have serious consequences for the economy and the people of Madhya Pradesh. It is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of commuters.

The demand for improved road safety is not limited to the Sonkatch-Dewas highway but is a nationwide concern. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to improve road safety, including the creation of a road safety fund and the implementation of stricter traffic laws. However, more needs to be done to address the issue, and it is essential that the authorities prioritize road safety and take concrete steps to improve the condition of highways across the country.

In conclusion, the condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway is a serious concern that requires immediate attention from the authorities. The demand for a safety audit, permanent repairs, and improved safety measures is a legitimate one, and it is essential that the authorities prioritize the maintenance and repair of the highway to ensure the safety of commuters. The issue of road safety is a critical one, and it is essential that the authorities take a proactive approach to addressing the problem and creating a safer and more efficient transportation system for all.

The significance of the issue of road safety cannot be overstated. The condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway is a reflection of the larger problem of road safety in India, and it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address the issue. By prioritizing road safety and taking concrete steps to improve the condition of highways, the authorities can reduce the number of accidents, save lives, and create a safer and more efficient transportation system for all.

The issue of road safety is a complex one, requiring a multi-faceted approach that involves not only the maintenance of highways but also the enforcement of traffic laws and the education of commuters. It is essential that the authorities take a proactive approach to addressing the problem and work towards creating a safer and more efficient transportation system for all.

In the end, the safety of commuters is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of not only the authorities but also the commuters themselves. By working together, it is possible to create a safer and more efficient transportation system that benefits everyone. The condition of the Sonkatch-Dewas highway is a wake-up call for the authorities to take immediate action to address the issue of road safety, and it is essential that they prioritize the maintenance and repair of the highway to ensure the safety of commuters.

The final word on the issue of road safety is that it is a critical concern that requires immediate attention from the authorities. The demand for a safety audit, permanent repairs, and improved safety measures is a legitimate one, and it is essential that the authorities prioritize the maintenance and repair of the highway to ensure the safety of commuters. By taking a proactive approach to addressing the problem, the authorities can reduce the number of accidents, save lives, and create a safer and more efficient transportation system for all.

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