Heavy Rains In Jaipur Expose Crumbling Roads, Trigger Public Outcry

Jaipur faces severe road damage due to three weeks of heavy rain. Waterlogged streets, sinkholes, and washed-away roads, even in upscale areas, cause accidents and vehicle damage.

Residents blame government negligence in road maintenance and drainage, sparking political disputes over prioritising events over infrastructure.

Source : PTI

Persistent rain over the past three weeks has brought Jaipur a welcome respite from the summer heat, but at a heavy price. Streets across Rajasthan’s capital are waterlogged, while large sinkholes and potholes have appeared in several areas, causing frequent accidents and injuries.

Albert Hall Intersection in Disrepair

Among the worst-hit locations is the stretch outside Ravindra Manch, near the iconic Albert Hall intersection, one of Jaipur’s busiest junctions. Here, rainwater pools up to one-and-a-half to two feet deep, concealing dangerous potholes beneath the surface. Motorcyclists often lose balance and fall, sustaining injuries, while cars, too, have become trapped or suffered damaged tyres.

The situation has grown so severe that authorities have closed one side of the road altogether. On the remaining open side, vehicles navigate with great difficulty. Locals who pass through daily say they’ve been forced to ride on the pavements, fearing the treacherous road conditions.

New Road in Mansarovar Washed Away

Even Mansarovar—considered one of Jaipur’s poshest neighbourhoods—has not been spared. A newly constructed road, barely six weeks old, has been washed away along a 200-metre stretch, leaving behind deep craters that can swallow cars. Instead of repairing the damage, authorities have merely cordoned off the area with barricades.

On 21 June, a road in the Muhana Mandi area caved in dramatically, swallowing several vehicles, which later had to be pulled out by cranes. The incident highlighted how ill-equipped Jaipur’s roads are to withstand even moderate rainfall.

Public Frustration Boils Over

Residents say they’ve never witnessed Jaipur in such dire condition, despite heavier-than-usual rainfall this year. Many blame the government and municipal authorities for failing to maintain roads or ensure proper drainage systems in advance, arguing the crisis could have been averted with better planning.

Political War of Words

The rain damage has also sparked political clashes. Senior Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas has slammed the state government, accusing it of prioritising events like the IIFA Awards and film star appearances over addressing the woes of ordinary citizens.

In contrast, government minister Zoraram Kumawat has downplayed the situation, calling such issues normal during the monsoon. His remarks have further angered residents, fuelling criticism on social media.