Srinagar, June 25: The deteriorating condition of the Natipora–Nowgam road continues to be a source of growing frustration for both commuters and residents. Despite repeated appeals for repair and macadamisation, the stretch remains in a dilapidated state, causing daily inconvenience.
The nearly four-kilometre stretch, connecting key localities such as Natipora, Naikbagh and Nowgam, has long been a vital link in the city’s southern transit network. However, years of neglect have left the road riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces, making daily commutes a struggle for locals.
Residents and daily commuters have expressed their frustration over the poor condition of the road. Zubair Ahmad, a daily commuter, said: “I have been driving on this road for years, and the situation just keeps getting worse. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re running late. The risk of an accident is high, and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens.”
Faisal Bhat, another commuter, added, “Two-wheeler riders have it the worst. I’ve had several near-miss accidents here, and I’m not alone. People try to avoid potholes, but it’s hard to do that when the entire road is full of them.”
Ashraf Mir, a local resident, said, “I have seen cars getting stuck in the potholes more times than I can count. And it’s not just a minor inconvenience — there’s always a danger of cars skidding out of control because of the uneven surfaces.”
The situation worsens during rainfall, when water fills the potholes, making the road even more treacherous. This not only contributes to traffic snarls but also increases the likelihood of accidents.
“The road becomes nearly impassable when it rains,” said Rouf Wani, a local resident. “Water fills up the potholes, and even walking becomes a challenge. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt trying to avoid these water-filled craters.”
Despite repeated appeals and complaints, locals claim that no significant action has been taken to address the issue. “We first appealed for repairs back in 2016, then again in 2017, and even as recently as early 2025,” said Junaid Shah, a local resident. “Each time, we were assured that the road would be fixed, but nothing has been done. It feels like we’re just being ignored, while the road continues to deteriorate. We urge the authorities to look into the issue immediately and take prompt action. The road is becoming increasingly dangerous, and it’s only a matter of time before a major incident occurs.”
Responding to these concerns, Chief Engineer of Roads and Buildings, Sajad Naqeeb, acknowledged the issue, stating that tenders for the repair and macadamisation of the road have already been floated. “We are aware of the poor condition of the road, and the necessary steps are being taken to address it. The tenders for macadamisation have been floated, and we expect the work to be completed as soon as possible. We urge the public to remain patient during the ongoing process,” Naqeeb said. As residents and commuters continue to grapple with the poor road conditions, they remain hopeful that the promised repairs will be carried out soon, ensuring safer travel for all.
