NH-19 (NH-2) is no longer the driver's paradise that it once used to be. The condition of the motorway has become miserable with its numerous potholes caused due to the heavy monsoons this year. Motorists trying to negotiate these potholes face considerable risk.  We often hear of horrifying accidents caused when the motorist attempts to suddenly change lanes. They may have to do this to try to avoid potholes that appear literally out of the blue. The situation becomes much more precarious after dark.

The west bound flank towards Asansol is somewhat better but the east bound flank towards Kolkata is dangerous.  It is worst after crossing the Dankuni Toll Tax Plaza and till the bifurcation of the entry point towards Nivedita Setu and NH-16 going to Kona Expressway towards Kharagpur. Motorists should be on high alert while driving on this stretch.

While some patchwork to repair the damages is ongoing, this poses dangers of its own. Patch-repair not only makes the road surface uneven and but is often simply washed away with lashes of torrential rains or quickly warn off by tyres from the heavy vehicles moving on them. We have been given to understand that the construction of the six lane will begin soon on the stretch between Panagarh to Dankuni after the overall repairing is completed. Till then motorists need to bear with this predicament. Please make sure you never let your guard down.