Surat’s ‘Moon Driving’ Nightmare: Crater-Like Potholes Hit Textile Hub

SURAT: For a city that proudly calls itself a Smart City, Surat’s Ring Road is looking anything but smart. Following recent rains, the crucial stretch between Kamela Darwaza and Surat Railway Station has turned into a crater-filled nightmare, leaving textile traders, workers and commuters literally “moon-driving” through massive potholes.

The 1 to 1.5-km stretch, located in the heart of Asia’s largest textile trading hub, is dotted with potholes ranging from one to five feet. Hundreds of thousands of traders, labourers and shoppers use the route daily, but the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) appears unmoved by the worsening conditions.

“People are not driving on a road anymore; they are navigating one pothole after another,” angry commuters said, demanding immediate action from the civic body.

Water-filled craters have made the situation even more dangerous. Several vehicles have reportedly suffered damage after plunging into potholes, while textile goods being transported through the area have also fallen into rainwater.

For textile traders and tempo operators, the damaged road is not merely an inconvenience but a direct threat to business. Delays, vehicle breakdowns and damaged consignments are adding to their losses.

The road’s condition has also triggered sharp criticism from residents and traders who question how such a heavily used commercial corridor can be allowed to deteriorate so rapidly.

“We pay substantial taxes to the municipal corporation, but during the rains we are left to fend for ourselves. Where are the basic civic facilities?” traders questioned.

The latest rains have once again exposed Surat’s vulnerability to poor post-monsoon road maintenance. Traders and commuters are now demanding that the SMC immediately fill the potholes and restore the Ring Road before more accidents, vehicle damage and business losses occur.