Lal Chowk traders irked by delay in restoration of market roads

Srinagar, Nov 12: Traders of Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal-Chowk have resented the delay in restoring roads in markets saying this has hit their business.

The traders said that over a month ago, underground cabling work was carried out in market areas such as Fashion Street, Abi Guzar Central Market, and Lambert Lane. They said that after the cabling work was completed, the road was left in a dilapidated condition.

“This has defaced these busy markets and irked the shoppers. The whole area is full of dust and uneven roads. This damages merchandise and also hinders our business. Dust from damaged roads is also impacting the health of shopkeepers,” said a trader.

The shoppers also raised their concerns about the issue. They said that after rains, these roads become slippery and mud spreads across the link roads. It also becomes difficult for us to temporarily park our vehicles,” said Amjad Ahmad, a shopper.

The trades said they support the Smart City initiatives, which have played a key role in beautifying the markets. However, they expressed their resentment at the delay in fixing the roads of these markets after underground work.

Joint Traders Association (JTA) in a statement called for urgent action on road restoration in city centre markets.

“The JTA is calling on the Smart City team to prioritise these essential repairs, ensuring safe and functional conditions in these markets. The association urges prompt action to mitigate the impact on businesses and restore the confidence of shopkeepers in city development projects,” the statement added.