Srinagar, July 22: The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department in Sopore has earned appreciation for its consistent efforts over the past five years in gradually widening the Sopore–Watlab road stretch, significantly enhancing the road connectivity and commuter comfort.

The residents of Bandipora took to social media to praise the Baramulla district administration for working consistently to widen the Sopore-Bandipora road in their jurisdiction upto Watlab while according to locals, Bandipora administration has never bothered to do it of their own as they always wait for central funding to widen the roads.

While no stand-alone project was formally sanctioned for the widening, the Baramulla administration has adopted a phased approach, extending the macadamized surface by a few kilometres annually under district plan, locals said.

“This incremental development has led to a visibly broader and smoother road corridor from Sopore to Watlab — a feat attributed to the dedication of local engineers (JEs) who are said to have envisioned and pursued this strategy,” locals said.

“Unlike Baramulla, administration in Bandipora wait for decades to get important things done. Had we used this approach, even Bandipora-Sumbal road would have been widened,” locals observed, adding that Bandipora administration lacks will to get things done.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Observers note that although progress on the road in Baramulla side seemed modest each year, the cumulative impact has been noteworthy. “The improved road conditions have not only eased vehicular movement but also increased safety for travellers”.

However, in stark contrast to the progress made in Sopore, the condition of the Bandipora–Watlab and Bandipora–Sumbal road stretches paints a grim picture. These critical links continue to suffer from narrow, deteriorating roadways, drawing criticism from residents and commuters alike.

The lack of expansion and upgradation on the Bandipora side is being viewed as a reflection of administrative neglect.

Stakeholders have raised concerns over the absence of a clear vision or planning from the R&B Department, citing the rising vehicular traffic and the strategic importance of these corridors.

“There appears to be no urgency or coordinated effort to improve connectivity in this region,” said a local resident, pointing to the stark difference in infrastructure development between Sopore and Bandipora.

The growing public frustration underscores the need for a more equitable and forward-looking approach in regional road planning, especially as demands for better infrastructure continue to mount across north Kashmir. (KNS)