Pulwama, Dec 29: After years of persistent demands and decades of hardship, residents of the Bangdar area in Tral have finally received a long-awaited relief as construction work on the much-needed link road has commenced.
The project is being executed by the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) department, marking a significant milestone for the remote locality.
For generations, the absence of a proper motorable road had remained one of the biggest challenges for the people of Bangdar. Poor connectivity not only isolated the area from the rest of Tral but also made everyday life extremely difficult.
Access to hospitals, schools, markets and emergency services was a constant struggle, particularly during winters and adverse weather conditions.
“This road has been our dream for decades,” said an elderly resident of the area. “We lived in complete isolation. In medical emergencies, patients were often carried on foot or on makeshift stretchers for kilometres. Many lives were put at risk simply because there was no road.”
Locals said the lack of connectivity deeply affected education as well, with students forced to walk long distances daily. “Our children had no option but to trek on rough paths to reach their schools. During rains and snowfall, it became nearly impossible. This road will finally give our children a safer and easier future,” another resident said
Elderly people and women bore the brunt of the situation the most, residents said. Women of the area expressed hope that the road would ease their daily hardships and improve access to healthcare and markets. “Something as simple as going to the market or visiting a doctor was a major task for us. With this road, we will finally feel connected to the outside world,” said a local woman.
The commencement of the project has brought a renewed sense of optimism among the villagers, who gathered to witness the beginning of the work.
Many expressed gratitude to the PMGSY department and the government for addressing their long-pending demand.
“We are thankful that our voices have finally been heard,” said another local resident. “Now our only request is that the authorities ensure quality work and complete the road within the stipulated time so that we can start benefiting from it at the earliest.”
Residents believe that once completed, the link road will not only improve mobility but also open new avenues for socio-economic development in the area. Better connectivity is expected to enhance access to education and healthcare, boost local trade, and improve the overall quality of life in Bangdar.
The start of construction has been widely seen as a turning point for the area, ending years of neglect and ushering in hope for a more connected and secure future for the people of Bangdar in Tral—(KNO)
