Lethpora–Khrew road in shambles, residents demand urgent macadamisation

Pulwama, Aug 5: Residents of Khrew and adjoining areas in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have voiced strong resentment over the worsening condition of the Lethpora–Khrew road, urging the authorities to take up its immediate repair and macadamisation to avert accidents and ensure smooth movement of traffic.
According to reports, the road, considered a vital artery connecting the Khrew Industrial Area with the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, has fallen into a state of severe disrepair, with large potholes, broken stretches and an uneven surface making daily travel increasingly hazardous for thousands of commuters.
Locals said the road has not undergone proper macadamisation for several years, and continuous wear and tear coupled with heavy vehicular movement has left it badly damaged.
They said the road is extensively used by industrial vehicles, public transport, private cars, school buses and two-wheelers, making its restoration a matter of urgent public importance.
Residents said commuting on the road has become a daily ordeal, with motorists forced to negotiate deep potholes and damaged patches that not only slow traffic but also expose passengers to safety risks.
They added that vehicles frequently develop mechanical faults due to the poor condition of the road, increasing maintenance costs for transporters and private vehicle owners alike.
Farooq Ahmad Lone, a local resident, said the road has gradually deteriorated because of official neglect.
“This road is one of the busiest links in the area as it connects the industrial estate with the National Highway. Unfortunately, it has been ignored for years. The damaged surface causes immense inconvenience to commuters, while frequent potholes are damaging vehicles and making travel uncomfortable. The authorities should immediately initiate macadamisation before the situation worsens further,” he said.
Another resident, Tariq Ahmad Yatoo said several vulnerable stretches, particularly around curves and sloping portions, have become dangerous for motorists.
“During rainfall, water accumulates inside potholes, making them difficult to detect. Vehicles often skid on the broken surface, especially on sharp bends, increasing the possibility of accidents. These stretches have become highly unsafe and require immediate repairs,” he said.
Commuters said the road experiences heavy traffic throughout the day because of industrial activity in Khrew and the movement of goods carriers, passenger vehicles and employees working in cement factories and other industrial units. Despite its strategic significance, they alleged that the road has remained neglected for years.
A group of residents said the deteriorating road has become a source of constant hardship.
“People are forced to drive cautiously at a very slow speed to avoid damaging their vehicles. At several places motorists have no option but to manoeuvre around potholes, creating traffic congestion and increasing the risk of collisions. The road has reached a stage where patchwork repairs are no longer sufficient, and complete macadamisation is the only lasting solution,” they said.
Residents alleged that although the issue has been repeatedly brought to the notice of the concerned departments, no substantial measures have been taken to restore the road.
They appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to treat the matter on priority and sanction immediate macadamisation of the entire Lethpora–Khrew stretch.
“We are only seeking a safe, smooth and durable road. Timely intervention will provide relief to thousands of commuters, facilitate industrial transport, reduce vehicle damage and, above all, help prevent avoidable road accidents on this important route,” residents said. (KNO)