Pulwama, May 06 (KNO): The residents across several villages in South Kashmir's Pulwama district here have expressed growing frustration over the worsening condition of Newa-Rohmoo road—a crucial transport link that connects parts of Pulwama with Srinagar and Budgam.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), locals said that the Newa-Rohmoo road is a key artery that serves thousands of commuters daily, including students, patients, farmers and traders.
However, the residents said the road has been left in a state of neglect for years, with no proper macadamisation or structural upgrades undertaken to accommodate the growing traffic.
Qayoom Khan, a local social activist said that one of the biggest challenges, residents point out, is the narrow width of the road, especially along critical stretches.
“Due to the absence of lane expansion, vehicles are frequently forced into risky manoeuvres, resulting in regular traffic congestion and minor accidents,” he said.
“The road’s current width is not fit for modern traffic needs,” said Javid Ahmad, a resident of Newa. “During peak hours, it’s a nightmare. A journey that should take 10 minutes stretches to over an hour. Emergency vehicles, school buses, and ambulances all get caught in the chaos.”
Local residents stated that they have raised the issue multiple times over the years with various government departments and public representatives, but their pleas have gone unheard. “From public hearings to written representations, we’ve tried everything. Unfortunately, nothing has moved on the ground,” said Basit Ahmad, another concerned local. “Even the patchwork repairs done occasionally are substandard and don't last more than a few weeks.”
Residents said the road’s condition worsens during the rainy season, turning muddy and nearly impassable. Elderly villagers and school-going children face particular hardship in navigating the pothole-ridden stretch.
Locals have now appealed to the Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pulwama and Rajpora constituencies, as well as the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, to take immediate action.
They urged the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department to prioritize the road in upcoming infrastructure plans.
“We are not asking for luxuries, just basic infrastructure,” said another resident. “Roads are a lifeline in rural areas. We demand immediate widening, proper drainage, and quality macadamisation,” they said—(KNO)