Transporters, villagers fume as Handwara–Wader road becomes unmotorable

Kupwara, Nov 17: The 18-kilometre Handwara–Wader road, a vital link connecting more than two dozen villages in Rajwar and adjoining areas, has deteriorated to an alarming state, prompting residents to demand immediate macadamisation after years of official neglect.

The stretch, which caters to an estimated population of over twenty thousand people, is dotted with deep potholes and broken patches, turning daily commuting into an ordeal. Locals say the road has not seen any substantive repair work or macadamisation for nearly a decade.

“For the last year, we have repeatedly approached the concerned department for repairs, but our pleas have been ignored,” a resident said. “We feel abandoned. This road is our lifeline, yet nothing has been done to address the damage.”

Transporters are among the worst hit. Cab drivers say vehicle breakdowns have become routine. “Suspension systems, tyres, and undercarriage parts get damaged almost every week. A journey that should take twenty minutes now takes forty to fifty minutes,” said a local cab driver, adding that passengers often choose longer alternate routes to avoid the damaged stretch.

Residents said the poor condition of the Handwara–Wader road has broader implications beyond inconvenience. Ambulances take longer to reach health facilities, students face delays during school hours, and people commuting for work report frequent disruptions. The worsening road conditions have also affected the movement of goods, impacting local businesses and raising transportation costs.

“This stretch has never been a priority for the authorities. It was last macadamised nearly ten years ago, and since then it has crumbled beyond repair,” said Syed Imtiyaz of Rajpora, Rajwar. “Every passing day, the potholes deepen, and the road becomes more difficult to navigate.”

Residents said they had even considered staging protests to draw the administration’s attention, but hoped elected representatives would intervene to prevent the situation from escalating.

They have now appealed to Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone to take urgent action, saying that timely macadamisation is the only way to end the severe hardships faced by the population dependent on the route.

“We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We simply want a decent road to travel on,” a resident said. “Thousands of people suffer daily. We cannot wait another decade.”