Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): Digaonmali villagers expressed their frustration over the deteriorating condition of the main road connecting Mandsaur to Sitamau which is riddled with potholes and invites frequent accidents.

Locals staged a sit-in and submitted a memorandum addressed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The demonstration was led by Changli gram panchayat deputy sarpanch Devendra Rao said, "The patience of the villagers has now run out. If a solution is not found soon, we will be forced to launch a massive public movement."

According to villagers, the road was constructed by DBL Private Limited under a contract with MPRDC in 2011, but has not been repaired despite its deteriorating state. It is particularly challenging to traverse the road during rainy season.

Even though toll is being collected, roads are not repaired, and there are frequent accidents due to lack of safety measures.

Tehsildar Rohit Singh Rajput reached the spot and assured villagers that necessary actions would be taken within seven days.

Gopal Kumawat and Yogendra Raon, who led the protestors, cautioned that the failure to address their concerns would result in a more aggressive agitation.

Key demands :

• Adequate gravel on both sides of the road

• Installation of necessary signboards and warning indicators

• Legal action against the negligent toll company

• Proper compensation for accident victims

• Accountability for concerned administrative officials