Long-standing road damage, waterlogging and waste complaints in Raj Nagar Extension
Over 6,000 residents of multiple apartment complexes in Raj Nagar Extension, Ghaziabad, have complained about a 300-metre road that they say has remained in poor condition for more than five years, creating daily commuting problems and safety risks, especially during the monsoon season.
Residents said only temporary patchwork has been attempted on the stretch and those repairs last a few months before potholes reappear. The affected complexes identified by residents include Mahesha Monk Monastery, VVIP Mangal, VVIP Addresses and Devika Skypers. According to the residents, the accumulated degradation has coincided with rapid residential development in the area over the last decade.
- Duration of neglect: More than five years, residents said.
- Road length: About 300 metres.
- Population affected: Over 6,000 people across several complexes.
- Notable developments: From the low-rise 40-unit Mahesha Monk Monastery to the 2,334-flat VVIP Addresses.
Residents described everyday difficulties in commuting on the stretch, emphasising that waterlogging during rains conceals potholes and increases the risk of falls and accidents. Gaurav Ralhan, a resident of Mahesha Monk Monastery, said vehicles and pedestrians alike face hazards on the road.
“People often fall on roads due to the big potholes. Anyone new to the area faces a serious risk of an accident,” said a resident.
Another resident, Anuj Tyagi, highlighted shortcomings in waste disposal. He said garbage is frequently dumped in vacant lots along a road stretch near a gym and that there is no regular cleaning or collection, which, he warned, is creating a potential health hazard.
Growth in housing outpaced civic infrastructure, residents say
Residents noted that the locality has seen significant residential growth since about 2010, which they say has not been matched by commensurate improvements in infrastructure. They pointed to the contrast between new high-rise developments and the crumbling condition of approach and internal roads.
“Driving in the evening has become torture for residents,” one resident said, urging the Ghaziabad Development Authority to implement a permanent solution rather than repeated temporary patching.
| Residential Complex | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Mahesha Monk Monastery | Low-rise, about 40 units |
| VVIP Addresses | Reportedly 2,334 flats |
| VVIP Mangal | High-rise development |
| Devika Skypers | High-rise development |
When approached by residents, civic authorities, including the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), acknowledged the problems and said plans are being prepared to improve living conditions in Raj Nagar Extension. Officials did not give a firm timeline for repair work, according to residents.
The issue reflects a common municipal challenge in expanding urban areas: residential construction advances rapidly while road maintenance, drainage and solid-waste management often lag behind. For Ghaziabad — one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest and fastest-growing cities — such gaps affect daily life, raise safety concerns and can impose additional costs on residents, including vehicle repairs and health risks.
Residents have urged a coordinated response: resurfacing the damaged stretch with durable materials, improving storm-water drainage to prevent waterlogging and organising regular waste collection to remove garbage dumped in vacant lots. They have called on the GDA and other local civic bodies to provide a clear implementation schedule for comprehensive repairs and waste-management measures.
For now, those living in the area continue to rely on temporary fixes and community efforts while awaiting a permanent solution from the authorities.
