Srinagar, Oct 27: Bitumen shortages and pending contractor payments have stalled road macadamisation projects across Kashmir, raising concerns over the completion of targets ahead of winter.

The Public Works (R&B) Department had set a target of macadamising 827 km of roads this financial year, with projects scheduled for completion between April and October. However, a contractors’ strike in August over unpaid bills and rising material costs delayed work, which resumed in September before facing fresh disruptions.
Contractors said outstanding payments of around ₹1,000 crore and a sharp rise in bitumen prices had further hampered progress. Bashir Ahmad Khan, president of the Hot Mix Plants Association in Kashmir, said bitumen prices had surged from ₹56 to ₹156 per kg, making it difficult for contractors to continue work without funds.
The shortage has affected several projects, including the Pulwama-Shopian link road, where macadamisation has reportedly been halted midway. Residents fear that further delays could leave damaged roads unfinished before winter.
Officials, however, said work was progressing in several areas. Chief Engineer Central Kashmir Ashwani Kumar said 190 km had been macadamised against a target of 250 km, with work on the remaining 60 km underway.
Chief Engineer Susheel Kumar said North Kashmir had completed 221 km against a target of 309 km, while South Kashmir had macadamised 168.35 km against 268.4 km.
National Conference MLA from Pampore Hasnain Masoodi said around 25 km of roads had been tendered for macadamisation in his constituency, with some stretches completed and work continuing on the rest.
With winter approaching, timely availability of bitumen and clearance of contractors’ dues remain crucial to completing the pending roadworks