Pulwama, Jun 15 (KNO): The deteriorating condition of the Sangam–Lassipora road in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has once again come under the spotlight, with residents, commuters, transporters and industrial workers demanding immediate and complete macadamisation of the vital road stretch.
The stretch connects the SIDCO Industrial Estate Lassipora—the largest industrial estate in Kashmir—with the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44).
Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the road has remained in a deplorable state for years despite repeated assurances from the authorities.
They alleged that every year, patchwork and temporary repairs are carried out on the road, but the repairs barely survive for a few weeks before potholes reappear, leaving the road damaged and unsafe once again.
Residents of Lassipora, Naina, Litter and adjoining areas said the road serves as a lifeline for thousands of people, including industrial workers, business owners, students, traders and daily commuters. They expressed concern that despite its strategic importance to Kashmir’s industrial sector and connecting a vast area with Pulwama and the national highway, the road continues to suffer from official neglect.
“This road is the main gateway to the industrial estate and links it directly to the national highway. Hundreds of vehicles, including trucks carrying raw materials and finished products, use this stretch every day. Unfortunately, it is now riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces,” a resident said.
Commuters said travelling on the road has become increasingly difficult, particularly during rainy weather when water accumulates in potholes, making them invisible to motorists and increasing the risk of accidents.
“Even a brief spell of rain turns the road into a mess. Vehicles slow down considerably, and traffic congestion becomes a routine affair. The condition is not only causing inconvenience but also posing serious safety risks,” said Shahid Ahmad, a commuter from Lassipora.
Drivers and transporters complained that the damaged road is resulting in frequent vehicle breakdowns and escalating maintenance expenses.
“We spend thousands of rupees every month repairing suspension systems, tyres and other vehicle components damaged by the road. The authorities keep filling potholes every year, but the repairs do not last. What is needed is complete macadamisation, not cosmetic patchwork,” said a local cab operator.
Industrial workers and traders said the road’s condition is adversely affecting movement to and from the industrial estate, which houses hundreds of industrial units and provides employment to thousands of people from different parts of the Valley.
“The road is of immense economic importance. It connects Kashmir’s largest industrial estate with NH-44, yet it has been ignored for years. A proper road would not only ease transportation but also improve industrial activity in the area,” said Nisar Ahmad, a trader associated with the estate.
Residents alleged that despite repeated representations to the concerned departments, no long-term solution has been implemented. They said temporary repairs carried out annually fail to withstand traffic pressure and adverse weather conditions.
The locals urged the administration and the Roads and Buildings Department to undertake full-fledged macadamisation of the entire stretch at the earliest, arguing that it would provide a durable solution and spare commuters from recurring hardships.
“We are not asking for temporary measures anymore. The road requires complete reconstruction and macadamisation so that it remains functional for years rather than weeks. Given its importance, it should be treated as a priority project,” they said—(KNO)