Dilapidated Sangam–Lassipora road ‘haunts’ commuters

Pulwama, Aug 31: The vital Sangam–Lassipora road in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has virtually turned into a hazardous stretch, with deep potholes, broken patches and a severely damaged surface making daily commuting a nightmare for residents, transporters and workers.
According to reports, the road serves as a crucial link between the Sangam National Highway and SIDCO Industrial Estate at Lassipora, connecting the industrial hub with the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44).
Residents said, “Despite its importance the road has been allowed to deteriorate for years, with temporary patchwork repairs failing to provide any lasting relief.”
They said the condition of the road has now reached a point where motorists are forced to negotiate potholes and damaged portions throughout the stretch. “The problem is particularly serious for heavy vehicles, buses and commercial transporters that use the road regularly,” residents added.
“This road has become extremely difficult to travel on. It is full of potholes and damaged portions, and drivers have to constantly slow down or change lanes to avoid them,” residents said.
Commuters said the situation becomes more dangerous during rainfall when potholes get filled with water. “Two-wheelers and smaller vehicles are especially vulnerable to accidents on the damaged stretch.”
Transporters said the poor surface has also increased the wear and tear of vehicles, resulting in frequent tyre, suspension and other mechanical problems.
“Every day we have to drive through this road, and the condition is so bad that vehicle maintenance has become an additional burden. Repeated filling of potholes is not enough. The entire road needs proper macadamisation,” said a local driver.
The road is also heavily used by employees, workers and traders associated with the Lassipora industrial estate, apart from residents of surrounding areas. Locals said the deteriorating connectivity is affecting the smooth movement of raw materials, finished products and other commercial consignments.
They maintained that a road connecting a major industrial area with NH-44 should be maintained on a priority basis, particularly given the volume of commercial traffic it carries.
Residents alleged that routine patchwork has failed to withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions, leaving the road damaged again after short intervals. They have urged the concerned authorities to undertake comprehensive repairs and macadamisation instead of relying on temporary measures.
Meanwhile, Superintending Engineer Road & Buildings Department Pulwama-Shopian Ashiq Hussain assured that the road would be restored soon, providing some relief to commuters who have been demanding improvement of the stretch for a long time. (KNO)