Samba, Feb 15 — Serious concerns continue to be raised by local residents and business owners regarding the ongoing construction of the third bridge approach roads on National Highway-44 in Samba distt. Allegations suggest that several aspects of the work are being carried out without strictly adhering to standard engineering parameters, causing inconvenience and potential safety hazards for the public. According to locals, a major depression has developed on the road near high-footfall areas such as the LIC Office, Canara Bank and a nearby petrol pump. This stretch connects the lane coming from Samba Chowk with the new approach road near Rangoli Restaurant, both situated at a higher level. Due to improper leveling, even light rainfall results in severe waterlogging, creating a pond-like situation and disrupting daily movement of commuters and pedestrians. Residents have also highlighted that several natural drainage channels (nullahs) remain choked and lack properly defined depth and width standards, affecting the smooth flow of rainwater and increasing the risk of flooding. Near Shiva Cold Storage and Rangoli Bar & Restaurant, the road continues to remain extremely narrow, allowing only one vehicle to pass at a time and leading to frequent traffic congestion.
However, it is noteworthy that after the issue was highlighted by Samba Times, some corrective measures regarding the depth and width of the nullah beyond Rangoli Bar & Restaurant have reportedly been undertaken.
Locals have expressed appreciation for the partial improvement in that particular stretch. Despite this, residents assert that several other issues still remain unresolved & the contractor is still eye washing the public & authorities.
Beyond Shiva Cold Storage, concerns persist regarding the alignment and construction of the nullah, while the earlier drainage structure lying in the lower plain in certain areas, raising questions about long-term water flow management.
It has further come to light that the project work has allegedly been sub-let, prompting concerns over supervision, quality control and accountability. With the rumoured deadline of March 31 approaching, locals fear that the remaining shortcomings may not be addressed adequately.The matter has once again drawn attention, and there is a collective appeal to the NH-44 authorities and the District Administration Samba to take immediate corrective measures.
Residents have urged the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection, ensure proper engineering standards are followed, and rectify all pending issues before final closure of the project.While thanking the concerned departments for the partial rectification already undertaken, the public has cautioned that comprehensive corrections are essential to ensure long-term safety, smooth traffic flow and effective drainage management. Infrastructure projects meant for public welfare must reflect accountability and responsiveness to the concerns of the very people they are designed to serve.
