Dilapidated roads across Srinagar leave commuters struggling with traffic jams

Srinagar, Nov 16: Commuters and pedestrians in Srinagar are facing significant difficulties as the city’s roads continue to deteriorate after the J&K administration divided the road network between the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department two years ago.
The slow pace of work has been further delayed due to this division of the network. The lanes and by-lanes fall under the SMC work units, each headed by an executive engineer drawn from the parent department, R&B.
Financial constraints have also contributed to the sluggish pace of repairs and new construction. Despite promises of improved infrastructure, many of the city’s main roads remain in poor condition, posing inconvenience and safety risks for travelers.
Areas such as Khanyar, Nawab Bazar, Kara Nagar, Jehangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, Batamaloo, Rawalpora and several other key locations are particularly affected, with large potholes, uneven surfaces, and incomplete road works becoming a common sight. These conditions have not only led to uncomfortable journeys but also increased the likelihood of accidents, particularly with winter setting in.
“Driving through these roads feels like navigating an obstacle course,” said Imran Malik, a daily commuter from Jehangir Chowk. “The situation has only gotten worse, and the slow pace of repairs adds to our frustration.”
Another commuter from Rawalpora, Zahid Ahmad, expressed his concerns: “It’s extremely dangerous to drive on these roads, especially at night. Many of the damaged roads lack streetlights, and it feels like a game of chance every time I take my car out.”
The Smart City initiative, which aimed to revamp Srinagar’s infrastructure, has also faced delays and poor execution. Many roads remain unfinished for months, with blocked sections, open ditches, and a lack of proper road markings contributing to the chaos. This has not only disrupted traffic flow but also heightened the risk of accidents and injuries.
While the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has made sporadic attempts to address the issue, these efforts have been inconsistent. “The roads were supposed to improve, but they seem to have gotten worse. It’s baffling why the work is taking so long,” said Fazil Ahmad, a commuter from Lal Chowk.
Sajad Ahmad Khan, Executive Engineer at SMC responsible for tile lanes (by-lanes), acknowledged the slow pace of progress. When asked about the expected completion timeline, he said, “All the projects will be completed by the end of March.”
The road conditions are also affecting public services, with emergency vehicles facing delays. “Emergency vehicles are often stuck in traffic due to the poor road conditions,” said Dr. Rashid Ali, a doctor at SMHS. “This not only delays critical care but also puts lives at risk. Something needs to be done urgently.”
As temperatures drop, snow is likely to worsen the fragile road network, increasing safety concerns for commuters. “The roads will become even more dangerous once the snow starts. It’s impossible to drive safely on these roads when they’re covered in snow,” said Aftab Hussain, a concerned resident of Rawalpora.
Residents are urging authorities to accelerate the completion of projects and ensure better-quality repairs to alleviate the deteriorating situation.
For now, commuters in Srinagar continue to struggle with unsafe roads, while frustration grows over the slow pace of progress and lack of clear solutions.