Pampore–Srinagar Highway Shut for Weeks, Commuters Decry Official Apathy

SRINAGAR: The Old National Highway near Kalib Kadel Drangbal Pampore, a vital route linking four south Kashmir districts with Srinagar, has remained closed for several weeks after being declared unsafe due to flood-like conditions, sparking growing anger among commuters and residents over prolonged government inaction.

Authorities had initially assured that the damaged portion would be repaired within days, but work has come to a standstill, paralysing daily travel and creating dangerous congestion. Construction material dumped along the carriageway has worsened the situation, rendering the stretch hazardous for movement.

“This is sheer chaos; the administration is in deep slumber. Traffic is disrupted because of the heaps of construction material. Ambulances and school buses bear the brunt,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Pampore, warning that delays have endangered lives.

The prolonged closure has forced commuters to take longer alternative routes, pushing up travel time and costs. Locals said the disruption has also hampered the supply of essentials, while traders complained of mounting losses as both passenger and goods transport face repeated interruptions.

National Conference leader and Pampore MLA Hasnain Masoodi held funding delays responsible for the impasse. He said the Deputy Commissioner had sanctioned Rs 45 lakh for repairs but released only Rs 25 lakh, which left the contractor unwilling to continue work.

Masoodi urged the administration to release the full amount immediately to allow resumption of repairs.

Despite repeated promises, the district administration has not issued a revised timeline for completion, fuelling public resentment. Residents say the blockade has laid bare official negligence and indifference to their hardships.

Attempts to seek comment from the local tehsildar proved unsuccessful, with repeated calls going unanswered.