Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 9: The alternative road leading to District Hospital Ganderbal, which holds the key to addressing the issue of traffic jams, has been in shambles for the last several years.
While locals have brought the matter to the attention of the authorities, the issue has remained pending, with no one heeding the demands of the locals, considering the road’s importance and utility.
Abid Hussain Bhat, one of the residents, mentioned that the road is crucial for the community as patients face difficulties reaching the hospital due to traffic jams.
He stated, “We have reached out to the DC as well as the LG administration, but so far, nothing has been done.”
Bhat emphasized that besides providing a better road link to the hospitals, the road also connects Mata Kheer Bhawani temple and could help alleviate traffic congestion during the annual Amarnath Yatra.
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He highlighted that the current traffic situation causes delays, stating, “It takes us over an hour to go from Nagbal to Ganderbal due to jams; if this road is made motorable, it will decrease the travel time and simultaneously facilitate the movement of patients from different areas of the district, especially those referred to SKIMS.”
Irshad Ahmad, another local resident, expressed disappointment in the lack of better connectivity despite having a hospital.
He said, “The administration has failed to upgrade connectivity, causing difficulties for patients and those being referred. The poor connectivity raises questions about the planning.”
Irshad demanded that the roadwork needs to be expedited so that healthcare services remain accessible to the people.
Tatheer Manzoor, Executive Engineer, R&B Ganderbal, acknowledged that some work on the road was carried out earlier but remained incomplete due to land acquisition issues.
He assured that the work would begin soon, stating, “We have prepared the estimate for the road, which has been submitted to the authorities; it will be approved shortly, following which the road work will commence.”
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