Bandipora, Mar 20: The travel on 57 kilometer long Bandipore-Srinagar highway has become arduous and cumbersome for passengers as the road is dotted with potholes.
 “The frequent travelers on the route, have started facing serious backache and other health problems as the drivers many times hit these potholes on high speed,” the Bandipora residents said adding that many persons had been advised by doctors not to undertake the journey as it would aggravate their problem. 
 The commuters said many mishaps occurred on the highway as the drivers were trying to avoid the potholes. “Our vehicles suffer extensive damage due to the poor road condition and have to sent them for repairs quite often,” the Sumo owners told Greater Kashmir adding the concerned officials hadn’t done anything substantial despite repeated pleas were made about the road repairs.
 The passengers have also complained of dust pollution on the highway saying it had also resulted in serious health complications in certain persons allergic to dust. “The dust raised from these potholes have also become a pollution source causing further inconvenience to the travelers,” they said. 
 The locals and drivers, whose vehicles are plying on the highway, have accused the BEACON of turning blind eye towards the dilapidated road condition. “The BEACON has completely failed to maintain the highway making it not motorable,” the locals and drivers said.
 When contacted Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Ghulam Muhammad Barkaboo said the district administration held a meeting with BEACON officials and asked it to take up the repair work immediately without any delay.
 “Work will be initiated within days on the highway” Barkaboo assured.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST