Delay in repairs of Nowpora-Khanyar road irks commuters

Srinagar, Dec 14: Commuters have expressed displeasure against inordinate delay in repairs of dilapidated Nowpora-Khanyar road.

Commuters, locals and traders said that the road from Nowpora-Khanyar was dug up for laying drainage pipes six months ago. They said despite the passage of long times, no measure has been taken up to repair the vital road.

The entire stretch of road from Nowpora-Khanyar is dotted with potholes. Locals said many times passengers had narrow escapes as a dilapidated road caved in and vehicles were stuck in it for hours. “Even manholes have been left uncovered at Khayam Chowk. This poses risk to commuters,” said Abdul Hamid, a commuter.

Nowpora-Khanyar road is one of the major routes connecting city centre areas with Downtown. Due to potholes and uneven surface, there are massive traffic jams on the vital route during peak evening hours.

Commuters said during rains, the road turns into marsh and vehicles are struck in it. “The road has caved in at various spots and no measure has been taken to at least level the surface. This is sheer discrimination as similar projects in uptown areas have been completed within stipulated deadlines and this vital road has been neglected,” they said.