Shopian, Apr 5: Dilapidated link roads in south Kashmir’s Shopian district are posing serious risks to commuters and disrupting the transport of horticultural produce, particularly apples, a key economic driver of the region.
Two important link roads connecting fruit-rich villages via Poshpora have deteriorated over the years, with residents complaining of prolonged neglect and lack of maintenance. One of the roads linking Doombwani–Shirmal with Poshpora is riddled with potholes, making daily travel difficult and unsafe. During the rainy season, the situation worsens as the potholes fill with muddy water, turning the stretch hazardous for vehicular movement.
Residents said the road has remained in poor condition for years. “You can see deep ditches across the road, and we don’t remember when it was last macadamised,” said Ishafaq Ahmad Sheikh, president of the Kashmir Youth Federation and a resident of Poshpora village.
Another key link road passing through Poshpora connects the area with Keegam village and is also in a similarly damaged state, adding to the daily hardships of commuters.
The affected villages are known for apple cultivation, and these roads serve as vital routes for transporting produce to markets. Hundreds of fruit-laden trucks use these stretches during the harvest season, but the poor road conditions are slowing down movement and increasing the risk of damage to the produce.
“The battered surface of the roads can lead to accidents, especially when trucks carrying fruit pass through these stretches,” Sheikh said. He added that two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable. “Bikers are often thrown off balance due to the ditches, which can be dangerous.”
Locals said the problem intensifies during peak agricultural seasons when traffic volume increases significantly. They have urged authorities to undertake immediate repairs and macadamisation to ensure smoother transportation and reduce accident risks.
Residents also emphasised that improved road infrastructure is crucial for sustaining the region’s horticulture sector, warning that continued neglect could disrupt livelihoods and impact the local economy dependent on apple production.
