Members of the Sanyukt Vyapar Mandal Samiti (SVMS) in Panipat have submitted a memorandum to the local administration, demanding faster progress on the widening of National Highway 44. The traders, frustrated by the slow pace of work and long-standing drainage issues, raised their concerns at a ‘Samadhan Shivir’ on Thursday.
Traders Demand Faster NH-44 Widening and Drain Fix
Led by chairman Rajesh Suri and president Vishal Verma, the delegation submitted the memorandum to Mandeep, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Panipat. According to The Tribune, the association represents around 35 market associations and their office-bearers. In the memorandum, the traders stated that while they welcome the widening of NH-44, the slow pace of work has caused severe inconvenience to both residents and traders.
Drains Dug Up for Months Cause Daily Trouble
A major point of frustration highlighted in the memorandum is the condition of drains in front of shops. The traders reported that these drains have remained dug up for the past four to six months, creating hazards and disrupting daily business. The SVMS members urged the administration to find solutions to these problems that have been affecting the city on a daily basis.
Our Take: Administration Must Act Quickly on Infrastructure Delays
This is a clear case of infrastructure work creating more problems than it solves for the people it is meant to help. The traders are not opposing the NH-44 widening — they are asking for it to be done properly and on time. Leaving drains open for months is not just an inconvenience; it is a safety risk. The Panipat administration should take this memorandum seriously and set a clear timeline for completing the work. In our view, when public projects drag on without accountability, it is the common citizen who pays the price. The SDM must ensure that the widening work is expedited and that basic amenities like drainage are restored without further delay.