Pulwama, Nov 11 (KNO): Residents of several villages along the Pulwama–Awantipora road urge authorities to undertake comprehensive upgradation and proper macadamisation, widen narrow stretches and repair damaged portions to ease the hardships faced by daily commuters.
Residents of Dangerpora, Tengpuna, Koil, Malangpora and Pudgampora told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the road has emerged as a crucial transportation link for thousands of people, connecting several rural habitations with Pulwama, Awantipora and other adjoining areas.
They said the existing condition of the road and the need for its improvement have made daily commuting difficult, particularly for students, employees, patients, traders and people travelling for other essential purposes.
According to residents, the road holds considerable importance as it provides connectivity to prominent institutions, including the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and AIIMS Awantipora. Thousands of students, employees, patients and attendants use the route, making its proper development necessary in view of the growing movement of people and vehicles.
They said the road should no longer be left to temporary patchwork and routine repairs, stressing that a comprehensive upgradation plan was required to address the long-standing transportation difficulties.
"Thousands of people depend on this road every day. Students have to reach educational institutions, patients travel to hospitals and employees commute to their workplaces. Its poor condition and narrow stretches cause unnecessary inconvenience to commuters," Rizwan, a resident of Koil, said.
He said widening of vulnerable stretches, proper drainage arrangements, durable macadamisation and installation of necessary road safety infrastructure should form part of the proposed development work.
The residents also highlighted the economic significance of the road, saying improved connectivity would facilitate transportation of goods, strengthen local businesses and provide easier access to markets and other essential services.
They said a properly maintained and sufficiently wide road would not only reduce commuting difficulties but also improve connectivity between rural areas and major urban and institutional centres.
Seeking immediate intervention, the residents appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama and the Roads and Buildings Department authorities to take up the issue on priority.
They urged the administration to assess the existing condition of the road, identify stretches requiring widening and initiate comprehensive improvement works without further delay.
The residents said the Pulwama–Awantipora road caters to a large population and deserves adequate attention in view of its growing importance, adding that its upgradation would be a significant relief for commuters and serve the larger public interest—(KNO)