Pulwama, Apr 11: Months after the devastating floods of September 2025, the vital Gundipora–Pahoo road in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district continues to remain in a dilapidated condition, causing immense hardship to residents and commuters.
The road, which serves as a key link for several villages in the area, was severely damaged during the floods. Since then, no significant restoration work has been undertaken, leaving the stretch riddled with potholes, muddy patches, and broken surfaces.
Locals said the deteriorating condition of the road has badly affected their daily lives, making commuting not only difficult but also risky, especially for school-going children, patients, and elderly people.
“We have been suffering for months now. The road is in a terrible shape and becomes almost impassable during the rains,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Gundipora. “Patients and pregnant women face serious difficulties in reaching hospitals on time due to the bad condition of this road.”
Another local, Bashir Ahmad from Pahoo, said transport services have been hit badly, with many vehicles avoiding the route due to frequent breakdowns. “Drivers are reluctant to ply on this road as it damages their vehicles. As a result, we are left with very limited transport options,” he said.
Shopkeepers in the area also complained of declining business, attributing it to reduced footfall and transport disruptions.
Students, too, are bearing the brunt, with many facing delays in reaching their schools and colleges. “We often reach late due to the poor road conditions. During rainy days, it becomes even worse,” said another local.
The residents have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to repair the road and ease their suffering.
“We request the administration and concerned departments to start the repair work without any further delay. We have waited long enough,” said another local.
Meanwhile, officials from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) said that the road is on their priority list and assured that the work will commence soon.
“Due process is underway. The tendering process is being completed, and once it is finalised, the repair work will be started at the earliest,” an official said, adding that efforts are being made to expedite the process. (KNO)
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