The daily journey to Delhi College of Arts & Commerce (DCAC) is becoming harder, riskier, and more frustrating for students, as key roads around the college remain broken and unsafe. Despite these conditions being a long-standing problem, no steps have been taken by the relevant authorities to address them.

One of the latest disruptions is the digging of the lane leading to Mini Market, the only nearby eatery frequented by students. The path has been broken for the construction of a mall, leaving the area littered with debris and obstructing movement to the market which is a vital stop for students looking for affordable food options close to campus. 

The road problems, however, extend far beyond Mini Market. The two main routes students take to college and back are in a poor state. The Metro route, popular because of its relatively short distance, is inconvenient to take as students walking or commuting along it face uneven surfaces that make it difficult to navigate, especially during the monsoon when potholes get filled with water. On top of this, the stretch is known for repeated incidents of catcalling and harassment, making it particularly unsafe for women students. Tinkle Singh, a second year student says:

We always have to walk in groups to the metro and taking an auto everyday is not financially viable. It’s not just the potholes, it’s also the stares and comments that make it unsafe.”

The only road between DCAC and ARD Complex, a key residential area where many students live, has also been in disrepair. Potholes, dust, and an uneven road surface have become part of the daily commute, affecting both pedestrians and those travelling by auto. Anjali, a third year student of DCAC and a residential of ARD says:

The street near the roundabout sees pathetic puddles and it is almost impossible to commute without an auto when it rains.”

Additionally the road has seen no significant repair work in almost 2 years, and with no proper footpaths or lighting, it poses safety risks at all hours. The problems are compounded by the lack of traffic regulation. Speeding vehicles are a common sight, and even the potholes acting as the speed breakers do little to slow them down. 

Despite repeated inconveniences, there has been no sign of improvement from the civic authorities responsible for road maintenance. No repair work has been initiated, and no safety measures such as CCTV cameras or patrolling have been introduced on these paths. The only official action so far has come from the college itself, which issued a notice saying:

“Students who walk from Metro to College and College to Metro are hereby advised to travel in groups as a park, construction site and other isolated areas fall in the route.”

For students, this lack of response is not just an inconvenience – it is an everyday challenge that impacts their ability to attend classes safely and on time. 

Picture Credits: Juhi Bansal for DU Beat

Juhi Bansal
[email protected]

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