Srinagar, Apr 18: Failure of authorities to undertake repairs of dilapidated roads in the summer capital in taking heavy toll on commuters.
Commuters, traders and residents continue to face inconvenience due to dilapidated roads and lackadaisical approach of the authorities.
Commuters traversing city roads including Jahangir Chowk, Batamaloo, Dalgate, Khayam, Nowpora, Natipora, Sanat Nagar crossing, Nowgam, Karan Nagar and Qamarwari are experiencing extensive traffic jams due to dilapidated roads and prolonged construction works.
The poor road conditions have severely impacted businesses, as shopkeepers report a decline in foot traffic due to the hazardous and inaccessible roads.
Intermittent rains further exacerbated the situation, contributing to gridlock, and making travel around the city even more challenging due to the faulty drainage system.
A delegation of residents from Downtown told Greater Kashmir that they are facing difficulties by the deteriorating road conditions.
They expressed disappointment over the lackadaisical approach of the authorities and said there is an urgent need for completion of the road construction to alleviate the hardships faced by the community.
“If they have dug up the roads, then why are they not completing the construction?” questioned one resident, echoing the sentiments of many affected individuals.
Traders across Downtown, including areas such as Maharaj Gunj, Zaina Kadal, and Gada Chowk, have echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the widespread impact of the dilapidated roads on their livelihoods.
With businesses suffering and residents enduring daily hardships, calls for swift action from the authorities have grown louder, urging comprehensive measures to address the pressing issue.
Shopkeepers, in particular, said the current condition adversely impacted their businesses and said there is a decline in foot traffic due to the inaccessible and hazardous roads.
Altaf Ahmad, a shopkeeper, said there is a need for immediate action from the authorities, “The authorities need to address this issue promptly. Our business operations are severely affected, and people are encountering difficulties navigating this road.” The dire state of the roads has also posed serious safety concerns for commuters.
However, Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning at Smart City Limited, told Greater Kashmir that road construction Downtown will be completed by May 2024. “Roads will be in good condition soon. But sometimes inclement weather hampers it,” he said