Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 6: Hardly 6-kms patch of road from Mansar to Battal, connecting Dhar Road, has turned most accident-prone due to worst condition of this road.
This road which is said to be the vital link with the `Defence Road, has been totally neglected by the concerned authorities as it has not been repaired since long. Large and deep patholes have been created all over this road patch. Over 700 to 800 loaded trucks and trailers pass through this road on daily basis besides other routine passenger and private vehicles. The heavy traffic load on this road has again aggravated the problem.
Panchayat members from Mansar and Battal villages alleged that many times they approached the concerned authorities but no repair work has been taken up on this road. Many times collision of vehicles and bikes took place on this road as light vehicles takes abrupt cuts to avoid patholes and broken road surfaces and this act invites accidents.
They pointed out that several lives have been lost on this road due to fatal accidents but the highway authorities and even District Administration Udhampur is least bothered over this burning issue. The public is suffering badly and moreover, worst condition of the road has also increased the travel time on Samba-Battal-Udhampur and Jammu-Mansar-Billawar routes. Even many heavily loaded trucks develop mechanical snags due to large and deep patholes on this road.
The PRI members claimed that if the Government is charging heavy Road Tax from the general public then it becomes its responsibility to provide good roads. They warned to file a PIL in the J&K High Court against the highway agency and the Government if the road is not repaired within two weeks.
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