Padshahi Bagh road in ruins, residents demand immediate repair

  • M Haziq Pandit By M Haziq Pandit
  • Comments 0
  • 17 Oct 2025

  Srinagar, Oct 16: The residents of Padshahi Bagh in Srinagar are growing increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating condition of the main road in their locality, which they say has been in a deplorable state for years. Despite repeated appeals for repairs and macadamisation, locals claim no action has been taken, leaving them to face significant hardships. According to a delegation of residents, the road, a crucial artery for the area, is riddled with deep potholes and uneven patches. The lack of maintenance has left it nearly impassable, making daily commutes risky for motorists and pedestrians alike. “This road connects several neighbourhoods, yet it has been left to deteriorate. Deep potholes cover almost the entire stretch, making even short journeys exhausting,” said Shoaib Ahmad, a local resident. Frustrated by years of neglect, the residents even held a protest on Wednesday, gathering along the damaged stretch to demand its immediate repair and restoration. The residents allege that despite repeated appeals and assurances from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), no tangible action has been taken. “Nothing has changed over the years. Vehicles often get stuck in potholes, while pedestrians struggle to pass through them. It’s especially hard for children and the elderly,” said Faisal Mir, another resident. “Even ambulances and school buses find it difficult to move through this stretch. What happens if there’s a medical emergency or a fire, and the emergency vehicle gets stuck? Who will be responsible for that disaster?” added Zahid Wani, another resident. The situation worsens during rains as water collects in potholes, further damaging the road and increasing the risk of accidents. “When it rains, the road turns into a muddy cesspool. It is only a matter of time before someone slips or injures themselves,” said Danish Lone, a resident. The locals are now urging the authorities to prioritize the issue and begin immediate repair work. They warned that continued inaction could lead to more intense protests. “We are not asking for anything extraordinary, just a safe road that allows us to go about our lives without fear of accidents. If the authorities continue to ignore our pleas, we will have no choice but to escalate our protest,” said Imran Reshi, another resident. In response, a senior SMC official, requesting anonymity, said the issue has been noted and necessary action will be taken. "We will ensure appropriate steps are taken to address the problem," he said. However, the official added that with winter approaching, repairs and macadamisation cannot be carried out immediately, as doing so now would prevent proper settling. "While the issue is acknowledged, the road will be repaired after winter to ensure lasting results," he said. For now, residents of Padshahi Bagh are left to navigate the treacherous road with caution, hoping authorities act soon.

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