A crucial road project intended to connect Bandi Syedan and nearby villages to the Srinagar Highway has languished for an astounding 35 years in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). This enduring failure has left local communities isolated from vital transportation links, compounding the daily challenges faced by residents who depend on this crucial artery.
According to reports from TNN Stories, the road, once supported by government initiatives, is now in a state of disrepair, rendering it practically unusable. The impact of this neglect has been profound, particularly for the roughly 6,000 to 7,000 residents living in the four affected villages, who have increasingly voiced their frustrations over the lack of progress.
“It’s been nearly 35 years since this road project was initiated with government support, yet it remains unfinished and in a poor condition,” lamented Muhammad Bashir, a long-time resident of Bandi Syedan. His sentiments echo the growing chorus of disillusionment in the community, where trust in elected officials is eroding due to repeated unfulfilled promises.
Waheed Kiyani, another villager, emphatically stated the stakes: “If this road is properly built, it will transform the lives of thousands of people in these villages. We’ve waited long enough.” His words convey the collective hope that the completion of this infrastructure would not merely restore connectivity but would also herald an era of improved living standards and economic opportunities for villagers.
The delay in this road project reflects a broader trend of neglect that plagues PoJK, where infrastructure failures inflict serious challenges on everyday life. Residents contend that the government has consistently ignored their needs, prioritising other areas while their basic requirements for reliable roads, electricity, and water supply remain unaddressed.
In many parts of PoJK, the reality is stark: crumbling roads hinder mobility, and unstable electricity supply disrupts daily activities. Even essential services such as healthcare and education are frequently inaccessible, leaving communities stranded without the fundamental support they require. The persistent neglect of these infrastructure issues exacerbates local frustrations and stifles economic growth.
The villagers’ plight is not just a local concern; it mirrors a larger narrative of systemic inadequacy in governance, illustrating how critical infrastructure projects have either been delayed or abandoned. As they await a better future, residents of Bandi Syedan and its neighbouring villages remain hopeful that their calls for action will eventually be met by those in power.
The Star