Slow pace of Smart City works hits vehicular movement

Srinagar, Sep 01: Commuters have expressed concern about failure of Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) to complete pending works in various areas of the city, especially Downtown.

The commuters said that the slow pace of work carried out by SSCL and other departments across Srinagar is hindering smooth traffic flow and posing risk of accidents.

They decry dilapidated roads, open manholes, unfinished footpaths, and drainage work. They said that despite the passing of several months, many locations across in Srinagar are grappling with dug-up roads.

“Given the pace of work, we fear that this will drag till winter. Downtown Srinagar is facing is worst affected as footpaths and other works are still going,” said a local from SR Gunj.

The locals in areas like SR Gunj, Saraf Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta, and Khanyar said that it is posing a risk of accidents as most of the works are lingering. They demanded completion of pending works in double-shift.

“There are huge open pits in several localities. As slow pace of work continues, many vehicles get stuck on roads and construction sites. Proper execution should be prioritised by authorities so that pedestrians and commuters don’t suffer,” said Fahim Bhat, a commuter.

Meanwhile, commuters at Batamaloo said that the unfinished work and dilapidated roads are taking a toll on them. They said that such sites pose accident risks to commuters and pedestrians. “No safety or convenience of locals is considered during execution of this work. At some places, the roads have caved in, posing a threat to commuters. These places have become death traps for us,” said a local from Batamaloo.

MM Shuja, a social activist said that authorities must ensure to completion of development works within stipulated timelines. “Government must fix accountability for inordinate delay in execution of works. Smart City works after facing inordinate delays in completion at various places in Srinagar. This mostly happens as officers at the helm of affairs are not working seriously. They have given free hand to contractors by prolonging the completion of Smart City Works at the cost of inconvenience of people,” Shuja said.

An official from Srinagar Smart City claimed that the majority of the works have been completed and are now it is in the final phase of completion.

“We will soon finish with the final touches, and all the inconveniences will be addressed. We had massive work on drainage, blacktopping, and footpaths, and in the coming month, many sites will be done with final touches,” he said.