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With the road construction season nearing its end, the J&K administration and concerned departments need to speed up macadamization work across the region. The remaining weeks of favourable weather should be used carefully to complete pending road projects before the onset of prolonged rain, cold and snowfall.
Roads are among the most important public assets. Their condition directly affects daily life, transport, trade, tourism and emergency services. Yet many roads across Kashmir continue to remain damaged, uneven or covered with potholes. Some stretches have been dug up for repairs or utility work but remain unfinished for long periods.
The delay in macadamization creates problems for commuters and increases the risk of accidents. It also damages vehicles and adds to travel time. For residents in rural areas, poor road connectivity can affect access to schools, hospitals, markets and other essential services.
The departments responsible for road construction should now review all pending works and set clear deadlines. Contractors who have failed to meet agreed timelines should be directed to complete the work within the available construction window. Regular inspections should also be carried out to ensure that road work meets the required quality standards.
Macadamization should not become a rushed exercise simply because the season is ending. Proper surface preparation, drainage and material quality are essential for the durability of any road. Poor workmanship may provide temporary relief but often results in potholes and surface damage after the first spell of heavy rain or snow.
The administration should also give priority to roads that carry heavy traffic and those connecting villages with major towns and highways. Roads near hospitals, schools, markets and tourist destinations deserve special attention.
There is also a need for better coordination among departments. Roads should not be macadamized and then reopened soon after for water, electricity, telecom or other works. Such coordination can save public money and prevent repeated damage to newly laid surfaces.
The remaining construction season should therefore be treated as a deadline, not an excuse for haste. Authorities must act quickly while maintaining quality. Completing road projects on time will reduce public inconvenience and improve connectivity before winter sets in.
People expect visible improvement in road conditions. The departments concerned must ensure that the available construction season does not pass without completing the work that can reasonably be finished now.
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