Commuters and motorists are facing severe hardships while travelling on the Rambagh–Nowgam road via Natipora due to the presence of large, unattended potholes that have turned the key stretch into a nightmare.
The damaged road, which connects several densely populated areas of Srinagar to commercial and office zones, has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. With no visible repair work underway, daily travelers are left frustrated by slow-moving traffic, vehicle damage, and an increased risk of accidents.
“Driving through this stretch is a test of patience and vehicle endurance,” said Farooq Ahmad, a commuter from Nowgam. “You have to either swerve dangerously to avoid deep potholes or go over them and risk damaging your car.”
Two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws are the worst affected, with many riders saying they often lose balance due to the uneven surface. “I had a near fall last week when my scooter’s front wheel got stuck in a pothole near Natipora,” said Shakeela Bano, a school teacher.
The situation worsens during rain, when potholes fill with water, making them harder to spot and even more dangerous. Residents and local shopkeepers along the road say repeated complaints to the concerned departments have yielded no action so far.
“We have contacted officials, written letters, and even staged a brief protest last month, but the road remains neglected,” said Javaid Hussain, a local trader. “This road sees heavy traffic daily. It’s high time the administration stepped in.”
Many public transport drivers also expressed concern about the condition of the road, saying the damage not only delays services but increases maintenance costs. “We have to get our suspension and tyres checked almost every month now,” said a local Sumo driver.
The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has yet to issue a statement on whether repair work is scheduled. Commuters are urging immediate restoration of the road to prevent accidents and ensure smooth travel.
“We don’t need grand promises. We just need a road we can safely drive on,” said another frustrated motorist.
As the summer rush increases and schools and offices function at full scale, residents are calling on the authorities to prioritize basic infrastructure like road maintenance for the safety and well-being of all.