Srinagar, May 31: Daily commuters and residents are voicing growing alarm over the perilous condition of the Pantha Chowk to Pampore road, a crucial stretch of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, which they describe as a “death trap” due to the rising risk of accidents.
Despite its importance as a key link between Srinagar and South Kashmir, the road — particularly the Pantha Chowk to Sempora segment — lies in disrepair, riddled with deep potholes, craters and uneven surfaces, rendering travel both uncomfortable and hazardous.
The stretch sees heavy vehicular movement, including oil tankers, goods carriers and public transport vehicles, exacerbating the threat to safety. “This road has become a death trap. It’s a national highway, yet no one seems concerned. The potholes and broken tarmac make it dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians,” said Shahbaz Khan, a regular commuter.
Mujtaba Wani, a local resident, said fully-laden trucks often struggle to keep control. “It’s terrifying. I have seen tankers nearly overturn. This road needs urgent attention before a tragedy occurs,” he added. The situation deteriorates further during rainfall, when the potholes fill with stagnant water, obscuring their depth and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Traffic jams, vehicular damage, and injuries have become commonplace.
“When it rains, these potholes become hidden traps. I’ve seen bikes skid and cars suffer serious damage,” said Nisar Ahmad, a commuter. Bilal Bhat, an auto-rickshaw driver, recalled a recent scare: “I hit a crater disguised by rainwater, and my passenger nearly fell out. It’s not just inconvenient — it’s a disaster waiting to happen.” Even emergency services have not been spared. Ambulances carrying critical patients often face delays navigating the rugged patch. “We’ve seen ambulances crawl over the worst bits. Every second counts in such situations,” said Zahoor Sheikh, a resident.
Despite multiple appeals, the road remains in a state of neglect. Locals are now urging the authorities to prioritise immediate repairs.
“This road has been crumbling for years. It’s not merely a matter of discomfort anymore — it’s about lives. Action must be taken before a serious incident occurs,” said Mohammad Yousuf, another resident. Several attempts to reach Chief Engineer of Roads and Buildings, Sajad Naqeeb, didn’t fructify.
