Dilapidated roads take toll on commuters in Srinagar
Srinagar, Feb 24: Failure of authorities to undertake repairs of dilapidated roads across the summer capital is causing inconvenience to commuters and triggering massive traffic jams.
What is more visible in the “Smart City” is battered roads, potholes, open manholes and scattered construction debris—disrupting traffic flow and raising serious safety concerns.
In Downtown Srinagar, roads in areas like Nowhatta, Gojwara, Sakidafar, Noorbagh, Qamarwari, Hazratbal, and adjoining localities present a grim picture. Road stretches in these areas are riddled with potholes, making driving an exhausting and risky affair. Commuters said navigating these roads requires constant vigilance, especially during peak hours.
“Every morning feels like an obstacle course. Vehicles slow down suddenly to avoid potholes, which leads to congestion. There is always fear of an accident, especially for two-wheelers due to potholes,” said Faizan Ahmad, a commuter at Sakidafar Chowk.
They said the situation worsens in areas where drainage works are underway. In localities like Gojwara and Babademb, Hawal and Gojwara dug-up roads and heaps of excavated material lie scattered along streets, further narrowing carriageways. Locals allege that poor management of construction material is choking traffic movement.
“The drainage work is important, but the way it is being executed is troubling. The extracted soil and stones are dumped on the road for weeks. It becomes impossible for ambulances, school buses, or even pedestrians to move smoothly,” said a local shopkeeper at Gojwara.
Locals said that even recently macadamised roads are not without issues. Residents point out that several such stretches have already developed potholes, while uneven manholes protruding above road level pose a constant risk.
Locals say uncovered or loosely covered manholes and potholes are a serious safety hazard, particularly during night hours and rainfall.
"During rain, these open manholes and potholes are not visible. Children, elderly people, and even vehicles can fall into them. It is an accident waiting to happen,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a local from Hazratbal.
While many link roads in Downtown and the outskirts of Hazratbal have been resurfaced, residents of many areas like Gousia Colony feel left out. “It has been years since our link road was macadamised. Other nearby roads were upgraded, but our area was ignored. During rain, it turns into slush, and elderly people cannot walk,” said Muneer Ahmad, a local.
“There is no trace of Smart City, only thing visible are potholes,” said Abdul Hamid, a commuter pointing towards a dilapidated road at Hawal.
Even the vital Maulana Azad Road is dotted by potholes and uneven surface.
An official from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation acknowledged the concerns and said that improving weather conditions would allow fresh assessments. “From March onwards, proper evaluations will be conducted, and new tenders will be floated,” the official said.
“Macadamisation and repair works will cover these areas. Residents can also submit representations to concerned SMC officials for minor issues, which will be addressed,” he added.
