Multiple Cracks Surface on Newly-Macadamized Soura-KU Road, Locals Angry
Vital Road Connecting Key Institutions Develops Cracks Overnight
R&B Refuses Re-Macadamization Despite Visible Damage on Freshly Laid Road
Macadamization Work Done at Night, Quality Now Under Question
Residents Shocked as Vital Link Road Develops Cracks Just Hours After Completion
Srinagar, June 23, KNT: A major public outcry erupted in the Soura area of Srinagar on Monday morning after locals discovered multiple cracks on the newly macadamized link road connecting Soura with Kashmir University. The damage appeared barely hours after Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department workers completed overnight blacktopping of the route, raising serious concerns about the quality of work and potential misuse of public funds.
The road, considered a vital artery in the city, connects Soura with institutions like SKIMS, Kashmir University, and several other educational and healthcare establishments. The swift appearance of cracks has triggered anger and disbelief among commuters and residents alike.
“Despite repeated pleas from locals, the department is refusing to re-macadamize the damaged portions,” said a local resident, expressing frustration at the lack of accountability. “This road is not just for residents, it serves thousands of patients, students, and staff heading to premier institutions.”
Eyewitnesses said the work was carried out during late-night hours, with machines operating well past midnight. By morning, long hairline cracks and surface undulations were visible on the freshly laid asphalt.
“This is nothing but eyewash. Macadamization was done in a hurry and with substandard material. It is unacceptable,” said another resident, adding that the public’s intervention today to raise the issue with R&B officials failed to yield any corrective response.
Locals have appealed to the district administration and the Chief Minister to take urgent note of the situation and initiate an inquiry into the execution of the work. They also demanded a fresh blacktopping of the road under proper daylight monitoring.
“This road was supposed to last for years. It couldn’t survive even a few hours. Who is responsible for this?” questioned a local trader.
Efforts to contact R&B officials didn’t materialize. [KNT]
