HYDERABAD: A stretch of road over a kilometre long, from Bazarghat Chowrastha to AC Guards Road, adjacent to MNJ Cancer Hospital and Niloufer Hospital, has been in a state of disrepair for more than a year.Residents, shopkeepers, motorists, and even patients continue to face difficulties due to the dug-up, potholed, and muddy road, as prolonged pipeline work by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) causes daily disruptions. Although the pipeline work commenced a year ago, locals claim that the road has remained in this condition for six to seven months, with only minimal visible progress.Nearby eateries and residents have raised concerns about the dust. “Dust enters our shop and inevitably contaminates the food. It’s a serious health risk, especially considering patients from major hospitals walk along this road,” said Bhagirath Yadav, who runs a local food stall.The situation worsens during rainfall, as water accumulates in the potholes. “I’ve lived here since childhood, and the road used to be in far better condition. Now it’s all mud, stones, and dust. Many motorists have fallen recently due to the potholes, particularly during rain. Just yesterday, two girls fell off their bike,” said Syed Ali, who runs a shop nearby.Manu Kumar, who manages a nearby public toilet, noted that footfall has decreased due to the state of the road. “People avoid this stretch altogether. Even after repairs, the mud and gravel are left scattered carelessly.”Several residents also reported that ambulances heading to the two hospitals are frequently delayed, adding to the risk for patients.Pointing to an HMWS&SB barricade reading “regret for inconvenience caused” outside the SCCL office, daily commuter P Suresh Ashraf remarked, “Actions of officials matter more than the words. Mud and gravel are lying across the road, making it dangerous for people to travel. What if some unfortunate incident happens?”A traffic constable stationed nearby said that while the stretch usually takes just a few minutes to cross, it now takes over five to ten minutes due to the potholes.The pipeline work has also affected the parking area outside Niloufer Hospital. Sanitation is poor, with parts of the damaged road being used as a dumping ground and even a urinal, creating an unpleasant stench. Residents, business owners, and commuters said they have made numerous complaints to civic authorities, but little action has been taken. “We’ve informed officials and sanitation workers several times, but our complaints go unheard,” said Mirza Ali Mohsin, a local resident.An HMWS&SB area manager told TOI: “The work on the sewage pipeline from Bazarghat Road to AC Guards Road will be completed within two to three days, after which the GHMC will commence road resurfacing. The water pipeline outside Niloufer Hospital is intended to provide a direct connection to MNJ Cancer Hospital. That installation is complete; only road repair remains. Work was halted a week ago due to an unfortunate incident involving the contractor. It is expected to resume in the coming week and will be completed shortly.”