Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Aug 5: The Trenz to Arihal road in South Kashmir continues to lie in a dilapidated condition, with locals expressing deep resentment over the authorities’ failure to carry out macadamisation work for several years.
The road, which serves as a vital link connecting parts of Kulgam and Shopian to Srinagar via Pulwama, has turned into a nightmare for commuters.
The stretch passes through several key villages including Trenz, Sheikhpura, Sanzan, Allowpora, Marhang, Ahgam and Arihal.
Residents say the road is riddled with potholes, causing frequent damage to vehicles and posing serious risks to the lives of passengers, especially during emergencies.
“This road hasn’t seen blacktopping in years. It’s full of deep potholes and large cracks. We struggle every day, whether it’s school children, patients or daily commuters,” said Reyaz Ahmad, a local from Marhang.
Locals added that despite raising the issue repeatedly with concerned departments, no concrete steps have been taken to improve the condition of the road.
“When MLAs and other political leaders could stage protests against the shifting of the Deputy CEO’s office from Shopian, why can’t they protest over this critical public issue that affects thousands daily?” questioned Mir Asif, a resident of Trenz.
People have demanded immediate intervention by the district administrations of both Pulwama and Shopian and political representatives to ensure that the road is macadamised at the earliest.
“We are not asking for luxury, just a basic right to safe and motorable roads. The silence of the authorities is disappointing,” said another local from Arihal.
Locals urged the R&B department and the district administration to prioritize the Trenz-Arihal road in upcoming developmental plans and provide some relief to the suffering population.
Meanwhile, an official from R&B Pulwama said that macadamisation for this stretch hasn’t been sanctioned as of now. He, however, said that efforts are on to get it sanctioned and macadamise the road at an earliest.
