Roads leading to SKIMS Soura in shambles
Srinagar, Jun 2: Failure of authorities to repair dilapidated roads leading to SKIMS Soura is taking a heavy toll on commuters, including patients.
Several commuters reported that the roads leading to SKIMS Soura are dotted with potholes, which hamper traffic flow and pose a risk of accidents.
Roads in Hawal, Alamgari Bazar, Soura, Zoonimar, and the adjoining areas are in a state of disrepair, with road stretches collapsing in various spots. They said that the dilapidated condition of these roads is making travel difficult and risky for thousands of people who pass through these routes daily.
“Driving to SKIMS Soura feels like an off-road journey. The potholes are so deep that one has to be very careful while driving or riding a bike. It increases the travel time and causes discomfort, especially for patients,” said Ashiq Bhat, a commuter from Zoonimar.
Commuters said that the dilapidated condition of the road can be dangerous for critical care patients who need urgent medical attention. They said ambulances carrying emergency patients face difficulty navigating these damaged roads, which delays their arrival at the hospital.
They said that the Maternity Hospital of SKIMS, near the main hospital, caters to expecting mothers from various districts of Kashmir, and traveling on these dilapidated roads can be extremely risky for such patients.
“I rushed my wife for delivery to the SKIMS Maternity hospital, however, the bumpy ride due to the dilapidated road was very uncomfortable. It is very difficult to travel on such roads, especially with a pregnant woman,” said an attendant from Ganderbal.
The locals in the area said that the bad road conditions is causing regular traffic jams at Soura. Locals said that during rainfall, the potholes turn into water-filled cesspools, making them difficult to spot and increasing the chances of accidents.
“The roads are in a terrible state, and it also affects the traffic flow. It is risky for drivers and pedestrians as well, who suffer daily,” said Zahoor Ahmad, a local.
The aggrieved blamed authorities for failing to carry out immediate road repairs and blacktopping of this vital road. They said that delaying the work will only increase the hardships faced by people in the coming days.
“It is high time the government takes notice of this issue. These roads lead to major hospitals and should be in good condition. Many patients, ambulances, and common people rely on these roads daily, and they expect good roads,” said another local.
An official from the City Roads Division said that the work on all major roads in Srinagar is in the pipeline and will start soon.
“The plan is already finalised, and once the formalities are completed, we will start work on the roads that are in our jurisdiction, including roads around SKIMS,” said the official.
