There are many spots in Jammu City and its outskirts where traffic comes to a snarling halt due to big potholes coming out on a regular basis. Whether it was the PDP-BJP Government led by then CM Mehbooba Mufti, LGs’ administrations, or the incumbent Omar Abdullah dispensation, these kingsize potholes used to rule the roost.
No doubt after the announcement of restoration of Darbar Move, the repair work of roads has started, but looking at previous cases, one cannot say for how long the repaired potholes will remain away from the sight of residents of Jammu and visitors to the city—especially at the main Tawi bridge near the police check post, Dogra Crossing, Gummat Fountain, and scores of other places which have conventionally become a source of vehicle damage and traffic slowdowns. Poor quality of road construction allows these spots to ‘germinate’ potholes at regular intervals.
The local administration and the Centre boast of creating world-class civic infrastructure in J&K, but on the ground, the scenario is totally contrary, with roads getting damaged within days of construction. The case of places at the outskirts of the city is equally pathetic, as it is a real challenge to drive vehicles without following a zigzag path because potholes don’t allow vehicles to move straight.
Moreover, the problem is not limited to mere inconvenience; it directly impacts safety, fuel consumption, and the economy. Frequent damage to vehicles due to potholes, traffic snarls, and delayed commutes result in financial losses for both individuals and businesses. Emergency services, too, are hampered, as ambulances and fire tenders struggle to navigate these treacherous stretches. This underscores that road quality is not just a civic issue but a matter of public welfare and governance accountability, demanding immediate and sustained attention rather than temporary fixes.
There is a dire need for the government to pay special attention to this aspect and ensure robust public infrastructure because the people are smart enough to gauge between good work and substandard work.
The case of the fourth Tawi bridge is an example of poor quality work done because not once but more than twice, this bridge has seen devastation due to flash floods, while bridges constructed several decades ago remain intact. This is perhaps the biggest example of poor quality work and the indifference of those responsible for raising civic edifices in the region.
It is time that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should ponder over the issue and ensure that every brick laid in J&K is robust and long-lasting so that no one can raise fingers like in the case of poor-quality roads and bridges.
