Srinagar, Mar 20: The much-hyped Smart City project in Srinagar stands exposed as a hollow promise, with the dilapidated condition of MA Road in Lal Chowk laying bare the stark disconnect between official claims and ground reality.
Despite massive public expenditure aimed at transforming the city’s infrastructure, the stretch passing through Lal Chowk—the very heart and face of Srinagar—has deteriorated into a dangerous corridor riddled with deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and broken patches. For thousands of daily commuters, the road has effectively turned into a death trap.
Motorists, commuters, and public transport operators have voiced strong resentment, questioning how such a critical stretch has been allowed to fall into disrepair under a flagship urban development project.
Owais Raja, an e-rickshaw driver, said the situation is worsening by the day. “These roads are destroying our vehicles and livelihoods. Passengers hesitate to board due to the constant jolts and fear of accidents,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, Junaid Manzoor, a commuter, termed the situation unacceptable. “Crores have been spent, yet the results are invisible. There must be accountability. Those responsible—contractors and officials alike—should be held answerable,” he said.
The conspicuous silence of the authorities has further fueled public anger. With no timelines, explanations, or visible efforts to address the issue, residents say the neglect reflects poorly on the execution of the Smart City initiative.
Residents have warned that continued inaction on such a vital arterial road could lead to serious accidents.
