Dilapidated NH-144A distresses Rajouri inhabitants

Rajouri, Dec 19: The deteriorating condition of the National Highway passing through Rajouri town has emerged as a major cause of inconvenience for commuters and residents alike.

The Jammu–Rajouri–Poonch National Highway (NH-144A), which witnesses heavy vehicular movement on a daily basis, is in a highly dilapidated state at several locations within the town limits.

Stretches near Workshop Bridge, Panjpeer and Phalyana are riddled with large potholes, damaged surfaces and excessive dust, making travel difficult and unsafe.

Thousands of vehicles, including passenger cars, buses and heavy transport vehicles, ply on this highway every day, but its poor condition has turned routine commuting into a distressing experience.

Locals allege that the damaged road not only leads to frequent traffic snarls but also poses a serious risk of accidents, besides affecting the health of people due to dust pollution.

The situation worsens during peak hours, when congestion further slows down traffic movement, locals said.

Expressing resentment, residents and commuters have urged the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to immediately clear all bottlenecks and expedite repair and up-gradation works.

They have demanded that the highway stretch passing through Rajouri town be restored and completed properly under the ongoing upgradation project to ensure smooth, safe and dust-free movement of traffic.