In June 2025, as Jammu and Kashmir basks in summer’s warmth, the deplorable condition of roads along the Panthachowk-Pampore stretch of the old National Highway, including the Smart City entry gate in Srinagar, stands as a stark betrayal of public trust. These roads, vital for connecting the Valley’s capital to its southern districts, are riddled with potholes, uneven patches, and crumbling surfaces, making travel a jarring ordeal for all—citizens and bureaucrats alike. The question burning in every commuter’s mind is: why, in the peak of Kashmir’s construction season, has the government not begun macadamization to address this crisis?
The Panthachowk-Pampore corridor is more than a road; it’s a lifeline for thousands of residents, traders, and travelers. Yet, navigating its crater-like potholes feels like an obstacle course, risking vehicle damage and accidents. The Smart City entry gate, meant to herald Srinagar’s modernization, is mocked by the dilapidated road beneath it. Whether it’s a daily wage earner on a two-wheeler or a bureaucrat in an official vehicle, the discomfort is universal, exposing the egalitarian misery of poor infrastructure. This shared struggle underscores a deeper failure: the government’s inability to deliver basic services in a region already grappling with complex challenges.
June is ideal for road repairs in Jammu and Kashmir, where harsh winters limit construction to a few months. Yet, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have offered no updates on why macadamization remains stalled. Historical promises, like the 2016 Border Roads Organization (BRO) plan to upgrade the Panthachowk stretch, have yielded little progress. The proposed Pampore-Lasjan-Mehjoor Nagar bypass, discussed for over a decade, remains a distant dream, leaving commuters to endure worsening conditions. This inaction is particularly galling when contrasted with the Union Territory’s ambitious Smart City projects, which seem disconnected from ground realities.
Jammu and Kashmir’s road infrastructure lags despite significant central funding. The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated Rs. 2,87,333.3 crore (US$33.07 billion) to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with specific schemes like the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund supporting J&K’s development. Yet, critical stretches like Panthachowk-Pampore remain neglected, raising questions about fund utilization and oversight. The J&K Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted progress in rural connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), but urban and peri-urban roads like those in Srinagar demand equal attention.
The government’s inertia fuels public frustration. Bureaucrats, who experience the same bone-rattling rides, must leverage their influence to push for change. The R&B Department and NHAI owe the public transparency—clear timelines, budget details, and accountability for delays. Community engagement is crucial; local voices must guide infrastructure priorities. Technology, such as real-time project monitoring apps used in other states, could ensure timely execution and quality control.
The deplorable roads of Panthachowk and Pampore symbolize a broader neglect that undermines J&K’s development aspirations. The government must act swiftly this June, prioritizing macadamization and repairs to restore public faith. Smooth roads are not a luxury but a necessity, enabling economic growth, safety, and dignity for all. If Srinagar is to truly become a Smart City, it must start with fixing the basics—beginning with the roads that carry its people.
