Srinagar- The slow progress on the construction of the Sanat Nagar flyover has left thousands of commuters fuming as they struggle with endless traffic jams, deteriorating service roads and rising pollution. According to officials, the project, awarded to Khanday Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., has faced multiple delays, worsening the already traffic situation in the area.
The bidding amount of the project was approximately Rs 42 crores approx. which was allotted in 2023 at a cost of Rs 32 crores. The locals, however, say the project has affected their business and livelihood.
“Every day, I spend an extra 40 minutes stuck in traffic at Sanat Nagar Chowk. The diversion was supposed to ease movement, but it has only made things worse,” said Mohammad Ashraf Dar, a local businessman. “Why couldn’t they plan an alternative route that doesn’t choke residential colonies?”
Another commuter, Zahoor Ahmad Wani, who travels from Rangreth to Jawahar Nagar daily, echoed the concerns. “The authorities claim this is a temporary inconvenience, but it looks like a recipe for long-term disaster. The service road is in terrible condition and full of potholes,” he said.
Work Slowed By Transmission Line, Service Roads in Ruins
Meanwhile, work on the Sanat Nagar flyover itself has slowed due to a high-voltage transmission line passing over the under-construction site near Seven Eleven Departmental Store. Many commuters argue that the KPDCL and R&B (Roads & Buildings Department) should have resolved this issue before initiating the project.
“It is shocking that they started building a flyover without even planning for a major transmission line obstacle. Now, thousands of people suffer daily because of their poor coordination,” said Abdul Hamid Shah, a retired engineer.
Raja Muzaffar Bhat, a social activist, voiced his concerns and said that the condition of service roads has worsened, making travel even more difficult. Large potholes, dust, and uneven patches have turned commuting into an ordeal.
“The service roads are in a pathetic state. People’s vehicles are getting damaged, and the pollution caused by dust is making it unbearable for pedestrians,” Bhat said.
However, authorities have assured that service roads will be macadamized once the weather improves. “We understand the difficulties faced by the public, but once the temperature rises, work on the service roads will begin,” said an official from the contracting agency.
Despite growing anger, Chief Engineer R&B, Sajad Naquib, defended the department’s efforts. Speaking to Kashmir Observer, he said that the work on the Sanat Nagar flyover has not stopped.
“It is progressing, though certain challenges, like the transmission line, have delayed it slightly. We are working on relocating it, and tenders have already been floated by KPDCL.”
However, with no clear deadline for the flyover’s completion and the traffic crisis worsening, commuters remain skeptical of these promises. For now, daily travel remains a test of patience for thousands using the Sanat Nagar route.
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