Residents of central Kashmir’s Budgam district are expressing deep frustration over the incomplete repair and macadamization work on the vital road connecting Charar-i-Sharief with Til-Sarrah. Despite a tender being issued several years ago and initial construction work beginning, the project has remained suspended for months, leaving the road in a dilapidated state.
The unfinished work has severely affected daily commuters, with potholes and uneven surfaces making travel both dangerous and time-consuming. The road, considered a critical link between several villages and the town of Charar-i-Sharief, is frequented by hundreds of vehicles each day, including school buses, ambulances, and public transport.
Senior leader of the Awami Ittehad Party, Advocate Javed Mohammad Hubi, voiced strong concern over the stalled project and criticized the administration for what he termed as “official apathy.” Speaking to the media, Hubi stated, “Although the government issued a tender and some work had started, the project was abruptly halted for reasons best known to the authorities. Since then, no progress has been made, and the local population continues to suffer.”
Hubi further alleged that the contractor and concerned government officials have shown a complete lack of seriousness toward completing the work. “The condition of this road is a glaring example of negligence. Despite repeated pleas from residents and local leaders, no steps have been taken to resume the repair work,” he said.
Calling out the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, Hubi demanded that the issue be addressed urgently and that the pending work be restarted without further delay. “This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it's about public safety and basic infrastructure. The people of Charar-i-Sharief and Til-Sarrah deserve better,” he added.
Local residents have echoed Hubi’s concerns, reporting frequent accidents, delays in emergency services, and damage to vehicles due to the poor road conditions. Many have urged the district administration and Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to take immediate steps to complete the project.
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the authorities to provide a timeline for the resumption and completion of the crucial road restoration work.