Making mockery of the claims made by the PDP-BJP coalition government of improving the road network in J&K, the pitiable condition of roads in Jammu exposes the false promises of the government, especially the BJP leadership which got 25 MLAs elected from the region.
Resentment is brewing among the masses against the administration as the restoration of roads was set as a major target after the formation of the government. However, only patching work is being carried out in different parts of the city.
Though senior officials in the Roads and Building (R&B) Department say the work had been stopped due to monsoon for the next six months, but it does not justify the fact as to why the restoration works were not taken up between March and May.
In Jammu, the road-laying season starts between March and June then is stopped till the conclusion of monsoon. Then again there is a brief window of just two months i.e. November-December.
“The condition of the New Plot-Bantalab stretch is worst as recently the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) had dug up the road to lay water pipes. Meanwhile, roads in several other areas are also in a deplorable condition. Dust generated by passing of vehicles is creating problems for the sick and people having respiratory problems,” said Ramesh Chander Gupta, a resident of Janipur.
The total road length of the city is 704.22 km and the situation has been worsening as there is a huge pressure on the roads. About six lakh vehicles are registered in Jammu district. “Driving has become a treacherous ordeal for residents as not a single road within the city and on the outskirts is in a good condition. Commuters have to dodge potholes and at times, several of them receive injuries,” said Mahesh Pachnanda, a resident of Sarwal.
Moreover, lack of coordination between the civic bodies and ERA has turned the city into a war zone. Since the beginning of the sewerage-laying project, not even a single road is in a suitable condition as there has been no complete restoration. On the other hand, where blacktopping was done, ERA and telecom companies have dug up the roads unexpectedly.
However, Chief Engineer (R&B) Sudhir Shah optimistically said, “As per the norm, the process will start after monsoon. This year, we have invited tenders in advance. There was some funding problem earlier, but now things will be streamlined.”
Residents suffer
Driving has become a treacherous ordeal for residents as not a single road within the city and on the outskirts is in a good condition. Commuters have to dodge potholes and at times, several of them receive injuries. — Mahesh Pachnanda, a resident of Sarwal
Work to start after monsoon
As per the norm, the process will start after monsoon. This year, we have invited tenders in advance. There was some funding problem earlier, but now things will be streamlined. — Sudhir Shah, chief engineer, R&B department
Dilapidated roads make commuting a challenge
