Pulwama, Jul 29 (KNO): The dilapidated condition of the Sangam–Lassipora road in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has once again drawn widespread criticism, with residents, transporters, industrial workers and traders urging the authorities to undertake complete reconstruction and macadamisation of the crucial road that connects the SIDCO Industrial Estate at Lassipora with the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44).
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the road, considered the primary access route to Kashmir's largest industrial estate Lassipora, has been in dilapidated condition for several years.
Locals said that despite repeated complaints and assurances from the authorities, the stretch continues to deteriorate, with annual patchwork repairs proving ineffective and short-lived.
Residents from Lassipora, Naina, Litter and several adjoining villages said the road is used daily by thousands of commuters, including employees of industrial units, students, traders, transport operators and local residents.
They said its damaged condition has become a major source of inconvenience and poses a serious threat to road safety.
According to locals, potholes, broken surfaces and uneven patches have made travelling increasingly difficult, particularly for heavy vehicles transporting raw materials and finished products to and from the industrial estate.
"This road is the lifeline of the industrial estate and the surrounding villages. Every day, hundreds of trucks, buses and other vehicles pass through this stretch, but its present condition reflects complete neglect.
Temporary repairs are carried out almost every year, yet the road returns to its damaged state within weeks," a resident said.
Commuters said the situation becomes even worse during rainfall, as potholes fill with water, making it difficult for motorists to judge the depth of the damaged sections. They said this not only slows traffic but also increases the risk of accidents.
"During rainy days, driving becomes extremely risky. Water hides the potholes, vehicles move at a snail's pace and long traffic jams become common. It is frustrating for everyone who uses this road," said Zahoor Ahmad, a commuter from Lassipora.
Transporters and cab operators said the poor road condition has significantly increased vehicle maintenance costs. They claimed that damaged suspension systems, punctured tyres and other mechanical issues have become routine due to the uneven surface.
"We are forced to spend thousands of rupees on vehicle repairs because of the road's condition. Filling potholes every year is not a permanent solution. The authorities must carry out complete macadamisation so that commuters are not made to suffer repeatedly," a local driver said.
Industrial workers and traders associated with the SIDCO Industrial Estate said the road plays a crucial role in the region's economy as it serves as the main transportation corridor for hundreds of industrial units operating in Lassipora.
They said smooth connectivity is essential for the timely movement of goods, raw materials and employees, adding that the poor condition of the road is adversely affecting industrial operations and increasing transportation costs.
"This is not just a village road; it connects Kashmir's largest industrial estate with the National Highway. Thousands of people depend on this route every day. A well-maintained road will benefit industries, improve business activity and reduce hardships for commuters," said Feroz Ahmad, a trader associated with the industrial estate.
Residents alleged that despite submitting repeated representations to the concerned departments, no long-term solution has been implemented.
They said yearly patchwork repairs fail to withstand heavy traffic and changing weather conditions, leaving the road in the same condition every few months.
The locals have appealed to the district administration and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to prioritise the project and undertake complete reconstruction and macadamisation of the entire Sangam–Lassipora stretch.
"We are no longer seeking temporary repairs. This strategically important road deserves a permanent solution. A complete overhaul is the need of the hour to ensure safe travel, support industrial growth and provide lasting relief to thousands of commuters," the residents said—(KNO)