Why Can't Manholes Be At Road Level?

The city may have earned many flattering monikers such as garden city, IT capital, start-up capital and the like, but when it comes to handling basic issues such as roads, drains, and power supply the city still seems stuck with 18th century methods and technology.

A look at the way manholes have been built on or near the roads is a case in point. They are rarely at the road level and some protrude almost one feet above the roads, posing danger to motorists during nights and when the streets get flooded due to rains.

I am no civic expert but I don’t understand why manholes cannot be built at road levels or why there is no uniform standard across the city. 

The manhole near the lane where I live is located on a gradient and stands nearly a foot above the road level. It is close to a storm water drain and further shrinks the width of an already narrow road. Motorists have to avoid it, thereby leaving space for only one four-wheeler to pass at a time. 

Thus the spot becomes a rite of passage for motorists, especially during peak hours, as they often indulge in brinkmanship to get the first chance to pass. Those coming down the gradient feel they have the divine right to pass first and those climbing the gradient too harbour the same sentiment with equal vigour. 

High decibel honking, angry gesticulation and even heated arguments break out and the traffic on narrow lane gets held up. This is a common scene around 9-10 am when people are rushing to work. And I am sure this is not an isolated case in the city. There may be many such manholes which stand out like sore thumbs and hamper traffic movements, thanks to shoddy workmanship.

Also Read: Random Jottings