Srinagar, June 02: In the heart of Srinagar’s transport network lies the long-neglected Kadalbal–Lasjan–Rambagh (KLR) Road, a corridor of critical importance that continues to suffer from administrative apathy and planning paralysis — despite being a viable alternative to the frequently restricted Panthachowk–Sonwar road located in a cantonment zone.
The KLR road serves as a crucial intra-city and regional link, connecting southern Kashmir’s districts — Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag — with Srinagar. It is also the natural feeder route to the Nowgam Railway Station and the National Highway. However, in its current dilapidated state — riddled with potholes, water-logged drains, bottleneck junctions, and non-existent berms — it represents a daily nightmare for commuters.
Making matters worse, the Vethpora bridge, constructed over the Jhelum River at a cost of Rs 14 crore after a decade of delays, remains non-operational due to the absence of an approach road on the Lasjan side. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the approach road, though prepared has been awaiting administrative approval for years, rendering the bridge practically useless.
“Every day we face massive traffic jams near Panthachowk and this road could have been the solution long ago,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a daily commuter from Lasjan. “But the government keeps dragging its feet while we suffer.” The road and bridge together form a critical bypass corridor meant to ease congestion at Panthachowk, offer a direct link to the Nowgam Railway Station and facilitate smoother movement of traffic heading towards or away from Srinagar. Yet, despite repeated proposals under flagship schemes — Central Road Fund (CRF), J&K ERA (World Bank), NABARD, and PMGSY — no real work has materialised on ground. Officials and local representatives confirm the matter has been raised in Block Divas meetings, flagged before the Chief Secretary, and included in several departmental communications — but to no avail.
“We have been hearing promises for years — every time a new project is announced, our hopes rise and then fall again,” said Mehjabeen Jan, a school teacher from Kadalbal, Pampore. “How long can a city function with such broken infrastructure?” What is especially glaring is the lack of interdepartmental coordination. Observers have pointed to the urgent need for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Finance to collaborate with the Town Planning Department and other executing agencies. Without such synergy, even the most well-intentioned proposals are bound to fail. The neglect of the Kadalbal–Lasjan–Rambagh corridor is now more than a logistical oversight — it is a symbol of systemic failure, demanding immediate and coordinated intervention. Connecting the Vethpora Bridge to the KLR corridor and fast-tracking the project under schemes like Smart City Mission or Cities and Towns Programme could finally give Srinagar the connectivity it urgently needs and deserves.
