Srinagar, April 20: Potholes on several major and interior roads across Srinagar are causing daily inconvenience to motorists and commuters, with residents alleging that poor maintenance is leading to traffic disruptions, vehicle damage, and safety risks.

Key stretches, including busy routes in areas such as Rajbagh, Natipora, Hyderpora, Bemina, and parts of the city outskirts, have developed deep potholes due to recent rains and wear and tear. Commuters say that driving on these roads has become difficult, especially during peak hours when traffic congestion worsens the situation.
Motorists report frequent vehicle damage, including punctured tyres, broken suspensions, and alignment issues. Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, with several minor accidents reported due to sudden braking or swerving to avoid potholes.
“Every day feels like a challenge. You cannot see which part of the road is safe, especially after evening when visibility drops,” said a daily commuter travelling through Hyderpora.
Residents also point out that water accumulation in potholes during rainfall makes the problem worse, hiding the depth of road damage and increasing accident risk. In some stretches, potholes have widened into craters, forcing vehicles to slow down drastically and creating traffic bottlenecks.
Locals have urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Roads & Buildings Department to undertake immediate repair work. They say temporary patchwork repairs done in the past have not lasted, leading to repeated deterioration of road surfaces.
Traffic experts warn that delayed maintenance not only affects mobility but also increases fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs for commuters.
Residents have demanded a long-term road resurfacing plan instead of temporary fixes, along with regular inspections to ensure road quality is maintained across the city.
Until then, commuters continue to navigate damaged roads cautiously, hoping for timely intervention to ease daily travel hardships in Srinagar.