| Almora |
Concerns regarding road safety and faulty construction on Almora’s Ranidhara Road have once again come into focus after repeated complaints were submitted by local resident Kavindra Pant to the CM Helpline Portal, district administration, municipal authorities, and the Public Works Department (PWD).
According to complaint number 042025-8-733288 registered on the CM Portal, the issue relates to the lack of protective railings and the presence of a poorly designed arch-shaped causeway near Ranidhara Naula, which residents claim poses a serious risk to commuters.
In its response dated May 27, 2025, the Almora Municipal Corporation stated that municipal staff had conducted a site inspection. During the inspection, it was found that reconstruction work on the remaining damaged portion of the road from Ranidhara to Dhar Ki Tooni was being carried out by the Public Works Department.
The municipal body further informed that a letter had been sent to the PWD requesting installation of railings along the road. It also stated that action was being taken at the municipal level to install protective mesh fencing on the arch-shaped causeway near Ranidhara Naula.
However, local residents claim that no major improvement has yet been seen on the ground. Kavindra Pant stated that on April 11, 2025, he had submitted a written request to the District Magistrate and the Mayor of Almora Municipal Corporation seeking installation of safety railings and correction of the improperly constructed causeway located in the middle of the road.
He further said that on May 21, 2026, he again wrote to the Mayor and Municipal Commissioner seeking information regarding the action taken on his earlier complaint. A reminder letter was also submitted to the District Magistrate on May 22, 2026.
Pant said that Ranidhara Road is one of the city’s most important link roads and witnesses continuous vehicular movement despite being extremely narrow. The absence of railings near the deep roadside slope has created constant fear among drivers and pedestrians.
He specifically pointed out that the arch-shaped causeway near Ranidhara Naula has become dangerous for commuters. According to him, small cars frequently hit their bumpers and lower chambers against the structure, while two-wheelers often lose balance at the spot.
Local residents warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, a serious accident could occur in the future. They demanded that the road be inspected technically and corrective measures be implemented immediately.
Residents also raised concerns about an elevated threshold-like structure created during road construction near Dhar Ki Tooni, which has caused inconvenience, especially for two-wheeler riders.
Kavindra Pant stated that the matter has already been brought to the notice of the Mayor, Municipal Commissioner, and District Magistrate. He added that despite repeated complaints and site inspections, a permanent solution has not yet been provided.
Residents have urged the administration to prioritize public safety by installing railings, repairing the faulty causeway, and reconstructing dangerous portions of the road at the earliest.
They warned that if timely action is not taken, the concerned departments may be held responsible for any future mishap.
