Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, May 3: The Sangam-Lassipora road, a key link between Pulwama and Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, continues to remain in a deplorable state, causing immense hardship to commuters and residents for several years.
The locals and daily commuters alleged that despite the road’s importance—particularly for the Lassipora Industrial Estate—the authorities have consistently ignored the demands for proper repair and macadamisation of the road.
The stretch, riddled with potholes and prone to water logging, has become increasingly hazardous, leading to frequent traffic snarls, vehicle damage, and a rise in accidents.
“The road has been in a pathetic condition for years,” said Sameer Ahmad, a resident of Litter. “Even a short spell of rain renders it impassable. It’s hard to believe this stretch was ever macadamised at several spots.”
Tawseef Ahmad, a local driver, said the deteriorating road is taking a toll on their vehicles. “We spend a lot more on maintenance now. It’s shocking that a road so vital to the industrial hub of Lassipora is being neglected.”
Residents stated that the authorities only carry out temporary patchwork every year, which wears out within days, leaving the road in worse condition than before.
“Daily traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, has made commuting a nightmare. The road’s condition worsens each passing day, but officials remain indifferent,” said another local.
Locals along with daily commuters have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, local MLAs and the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama to intervene into the matter and ensure the road is properly and fully macadamised this year.
Locals insisted that only full-scale macadamisation—not temporary repairs—will solve the issue, pointing out that the road was last properly macadamised nearly six years ago.
