Bandipora, Oct 7: The road network in Bandipora district is in complete shambles and the work on bridges at various places is going on at snail’s pace, the locals alleged.
 According to them, the road condition from Srinagar to Bandipora is so pathetic that in order to reach to the district, the vehicles have to go to Hajin through Sumbal-Markundal road, which takes three hours. They said that it takes two more hours for the commuters to reach Bandipora. “The vehicle drivers are forced to take the route as they want to avoid the road patch from Sumbal to Ajas, which is in worst condition,” the daily commuters told Greater Kashmir, adding the drivers and passengers prefer Sumbal-Markundal route from Srinagar to Bandipora as it was macadamized.
 Locals also alleged that the government had failed to repair the eight kilometer Bandipora-Arin and nine kilometer Bandipora-Malangam route.
 According to them, the government has also failed to repair the Garoora Bridge which suffered extensive damage due to recent floods. “The bridge connects several areas with Bandipora which includes Srinagar, Garoora, Saderkoot, Hajin,” the residents said adding that they were facing immense hardships due to the damaged bridge.
 The locals said the construction of Kaloosa Bridge on Madhumati River, which started in 2008, was going on at snail’s pace, adding the work on span bridge over river Jhelum was going on from the last 16-years and was still incomplete due to government apathy.
 “Thousands of people are being forced to reach Banyari by crossing a wooden log along the Jhelum and Mukhdamyari as the construction of bridge is in early stages,” said Ghulam Hassan Kaw of Banyari.
 “We urge the government to take repair the Srinagar-Bandipora road and expedite work on the under-construction bridges,” the locals added.
 When contacted, the District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmed Lone said, “The work on the projects will be expedited and the construction and repair of most of the roads projects like Sopore-Bandipore road will be completed before the commencement of winter.”
 “The links connecting various hamlets with Bandipora will be also repaired,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST