Slow pace of road repairs irks commuters in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 11: Slow pace of repairs of dilapidated roads in the summer capital is taking a heavy toll on commuters.

Though macadamisation of a few stretches has started, however many major roads in Downtown areas continue to remain in poor condition, causing significant disruptions for commuters and local businesses.

While the Smart City initiative was aimed to revitalise the city's infrastructure by June this year, residents grapple with traffic congestion and extended travel times due to ongoing diversions and constructions.

Commuters in areas like Dalgate, Khayam, Munawarabad, Bohri Kadal, Natipora, Chanpora, Rambagh and Baghat experience daily gridlocks due to dilapidated. Dilapidated roads have severely hit traders in Downtown.

Bustling markets, such as Maharaj Gunj and Zaina Kadal, report a decline in customer footfall due to poor road conditions, impacting livelihoods.

Commuters at Nowpora, Nawab Bazar and Karan Nagar express frustration over sluggish pace of road and footpath construction, which is exacerbating traffic congestion in these areas.

Meanwhile, for many residents, the promises of smoother roads seem distant as they continue to navigate the daily obstacles posed by the crumbling infrastructure.

The commuters said that the administration's target of completing all pending works by June appears increasingly uncertain.

“The dilapidated condition of roads is simply unacceptable. It’s not just about inconvenience, it affects our daily lives and businesses. The authorities need to prioritise road repairs and ensure that they are completed swiftly, Macadamisation should be undertaken in double shifts,” said Abdul Qayoom, a resident of Bohri Kadal.

Another resident from Khayam said, “The traffic congestion has become unbearable. What was supposed to be a revitalisation effort seems to have turned into a never-ending ordeal for us. We need immediate action.”

Chief Engineer, Srinagar Smart City Limited Abdul Qayoom Kirmani said that they have started macadamisation of Dalgate-Gojwara Road, stretching from Nowpora Bridge to Shiraz Chowk.

“While we understand the inconvenience caused, we are making every effort to expedite the repair works,” he said.