No headway on repairs of Nowpora-Khanyar road

Srinagar, Nov 27: Commuters have expressed strong resentment against failure of authorities to repair 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. “It is surprising that despite laying of pipes, the vital road has been left in dilapidated condition subjecting people to inconvenience,” said Mehraj-ud-Din, a commuter.

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.

Nowpora-Khanyar road is one of the major routes connecting city centre areas with Downtown. 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.

Many shopkeepers said that dust emanating from the dilapidated road at Nowpora has affected their health. Srinagar Smart City Limited officials had last month stated that focus of road repairs will be now shifted towards Downtown, including Nowpora. However, no measure has been taken on the ground.