Kupwara, Aug 16: After nearly eight decades of waiting, residents of Shodpora, Gujjerpati, Gujjar Daji Nagri and Malpora under Trehgam Constituency finally saw their long-pending road demand fulfilled as the Shodpora to Gujjerpati road was macadamized under the NABARD scheme.
The project was executed by the PWD (R&B) Division Handwara and completed within just three months. The road is expected to improve connectivity for thousands of residents, particularly students, who have long faced difficulties due to poor road conditions.
Speaking to reporters, villagers described the completion as a real Independence Day gift. Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Shodpora, said, “We have waited for decades. I have never seen macadamization of this road in my lifetime. This is a historic moment for our village.”
Another resident said the area had “a medieval-age look” because of the absence of proper road connectivity. “After eight decades, we are finally seeing a properly macadamized road. It will bring great relief to thousands of people, especially students who travel daily,” he said.
Residents warmly welcomed the completion of the work and expressed gratitude to the R&B Division Handwara and the executing agency, Khan Construction, led by proprietor Mubashir Ahmad Khan. The work was completed despite challenges related to the availability of tar and bitumen.
Residents also appreciated Executive Engineer R&B Division Handwara Er. Farooq Ahmad Shah and JE Mushtaq Ahmad for supervising and coordinating the work.
Speaking to reporters, Executive Engineer Farooq Ahmad Shah said connecting people with nearby areas remains a priority of the government.
“Our priority is always to improve connectivity and provide better facilities to people. I am happy that this important work was completed in record time,” Shah said.
Villagers said the road has ended a decades-old problem and urged authorities to complete other pending developmental works in the area at the earliest.
