Srinagar, May 05: Commuters and residents in the Qamarwari Chowk area of Srinagar are feeling frustrated by the deteriorating condition of the road, which they say has become a daily source of inconvenience and a serious risk for the lives. Despite its vital role as a major intersection connecting several districts with Srinagar, locals claim the road has been neglected for years, with little to no attention given to its worsening condition.
The road, which links districts such as Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara to key locations including SKIMS, Hazratbal Shrine, Kashmir University and the heart of Srinagar, has been in a state of disrepair for several years. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints to authorities, there has been little action to repair and maintain the road, leaving it in a constant state of neglect.
Javaid Naqvi, a commuter, expressed his frustration stating that, “It’s pathetic to see that the government is not bothered about repairing the roads. It’s really tough for us to commute through the area, especially considering this is the key route connecting several districts with the heart of the city. They should be doing more to maintain it.”
The road’s condition worsens significantly during rainfall, as potholes fill with water, turning it into a hazardous and often impassable stretch. “After the rains, the road becomes nearly impassable. The potholes fill up with water, creating deep pools that obscure their size and depth, making it almost impossible to navigate safely. It’s not just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Even some auto-rickshaws have flipped because of these massive potholes,” said Touseef Ahangar, another commuter.
Farooq Bazaz, a daily commuter from the area, pointed out the dangers for two-wheelers and pedestrians alike, “There are deep ditches and potholes everywhere. Two-wheelers are especially at risk, and even pedestrians struggle to walk safely.”
Nighat Shah, a mother of two, added: “Whether it’s the elderly or children, everyone is at risk here. We have to be extra cautious when walking, especially when it rains. It’s frustrating that no one seems to care about our safety.” In addition to the dangerous road conditions, the Qamarwari Chowk junction itself has become a severe bottleneck, with vehicles from multiple directions converging into a single narrow stretch. This causes heavy traffic congestion, especially after rain, worsening the already unsafe conditions for commuters. Junaid Parray, another resident said that after the rains, vehicles slow down to avoid water-filled potholes, further straining the already clogged area. “It becomes a complete mess,” he said.
The situation is particularly concerning for those traveling to crucial medical facilities like SKIMS. Rayees Khanday, another resident, highlighted the dangerous implications: “In medical emergencies, every minute counts. But on this road, ambulances often get stuck in traffic. This is not just an inconvenience; it could have serious consequences for patients.”
In response to the growing concerns, a senior official from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), who requested anonymity, assured that the issue would be treated as a top priority. “We are fully aware of the deteriorating condition of the road at Qamarwari Chowk. We understand the hardships that residents and commuters are facing, and we are committed to resolving this. As soon as weather conditions allows, we will begin repairs and macadamize the road to ensure smoother and safer travel for everyone.” While the authorities have promised repairs, residents and commuters remain hopeful for a solution. With safety concerns growing, immediate action is needed. Until then, the road’s condition continues to disrupt daily travel and pose serious risks to commuters.
