Dilapidated roads pester commuters in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 8: With authorities failing to undertake repairs of vital roads in the summer capital, commuters are facing a tough time.

Despite crossing deadlines for repairs, vital roads including Nowpora, Khanyar, Bohri Kadal, Nawab Bazar, Nowhatta, Qamarwari, Noor Bagh and Khawaja Bazar are awaiting repairs.

Authorities have failed to address the deteriorating condition of the Khanyar-Nowpora road which connects Downtown and Uptown areas. In most of the city areas, the road repair was abandoned after laying drainage pipes in the last six months. Massive traffic jams are witnessed in these areas on a daily basis.

Numerous complaints from commuters are falling on deaf ears, as authorities struggle to address the pressing issue effectively. “Entire road stretch from Nowpora to Nowhatta is dotted with potholes and uneven surface. Recently passengers of an electric bus had a narrow escape as a stretch of road caved in at Khanyar. Is this a smart city or a shocking city,” rued Abdul Hamid, a commuter.

The problem is compounded as the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the Roads and Buildings department are engaged in a blame game, passing buck on repairs of roads.

Commuters are also displeased with the authorities’ neglect of Downtown’s major link routes. Local businesses are also feeling the impact, reporting a decline in customers due to the inconvenience caused by dilapidated roads.