Road to Progress: Shangus Cries for Urgent Road Widening Amid Development Hopes

 Sheikh Sameer

Yesterday afternoon, while returning from school with my children—one holding my hand from the right, the other from the left—I found myself caught in an overwhelming scene of chaos near the heart of Shangus. The area around the J&K Bank branch was so congested that cars were parked on either side of the road, leaving barely any space for vehicles to pass through. With no proper pavements, walking on the road with children became an ordeal. It took considerable patience and maneuvering just to escape the bottleneck.

This was no isolated incident. The situation becomes particularly dire during peak hours—especially in the morning when schools begin and in the afternoon when they close. Yesterday, it took me nearly 15 minutes just to cross the road, such was the volume of traffic.

This daily traffic nightmare has become a matter of growing concern for the residents of Shangus and nearby areas. The narrow, ill-maintained 22-kilometer main road, which starts from the historic Mughal Garden Achabal and leads to Chatapal, the only major tourist destination in the region, is barely 18 feet wide. At certain points—particularly through congested villages like Jogigund, Khundroo, Sambrunna, Nowgam, Uttersoo, and Shangus itself—the width shrinks even further, going down to a mere 12 to 14 feet.

There are no pavements for pedestrians at any of the key spots, making it perilous for schoolchildren, elderly, and commuters to navigate daily. From Achabal’s bustling main market to the remote corners of Chittergul and beyond, the road resembles a neglected artery of progress that is gasping for attention.

Recently, there was a glimmer of hope when Ms. Sakeena Itoo, the Minister of Health, Education, and Social Welfare, visited the SDH Shangus and the educational institutions in the area. Her announcement of infrastructure upgrades was met with appreciation. Locals welcomed the move with open arms, viewing it as a long-awaited acknowledgement of Shangus’ needs.

However, amidst the praise and appreciation for developmental measures, one fundamental issue continues to be ignored: the condition of the roads. No amount of educational or health sector investment will bear lasting fruits if the basic infrastructure—especially roads—remains in a state of neglect.

For decades, Shangus seemed abandoned by the political class, left to the mercy of the Almighty. That perception began to change when the people elected Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan as their MLA—a “son of the soil,” as the locals call him. Since his election, the winds of change have started to blow, and hopes of development have been rekindled.

MLA Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan has proven to be a man of commitment and vision. He has continuously strived to make the aspirations of his people come true. From raising developmental issues in the Assembly to personally overseeing the execution of various projects, he has set an example of dedicated leadership. His presence is being felt not only in the main town of Shangus but also in its far-flung areas. The long-neglected voices of villages like Chittergul, Ranipora, Nowgam, and Uttersoo are now finding representation, thanks to his untiring efforts.

But as the saying goes: “A nation progresses only when its roads do.” The lack of proper road infrastructure is becoming a glaring hurdle in Shangus’ developmental journey. Many stretches of the road are riddled with deep potholes. There are no sidewalks for pedestrians. There’s no beautification of the road banks to reflect the cultural and environmental essence of the region. For a place that connects to a potential tourist hotspot like Chatapal, this is a tragic irony.

Tourism, if developed strategically, could be a game-changer for the region. Chatapal, nestled in serene forests and blessed with scenic beauty, could attract thousands of tourists annually if supported by good infrastructure. Road widening and proper connectivity could open floodgates for economic activities—from local handicraft sales to eco-tourism and homestays. It would also bring employment opportunities to local youth and reduce their dependency on government jobs or migration to cities. The upgradation of tourism spots like Chatapal can breathe new life into the Shangus economy.

Furthermore, the proposed Dardpora-Warwan tunnel, if materialized, could become a lifeline for Shangus. This tunnel would not only drastically reduce travel time to the Warwan valley but also act as a strategic all-weather route. Its development could integrate Shangus into broader tourism and trade circuits, adding to the region’s economic value. Connectivity is not just about roads; it’s about creating opportunities. It would be a visionary step toward unlocking the true potential of this beautiful, yet ignored region.

While development is slowly trickling in, it is important to focus on community welfare as well. Shangus town is in dire need of children’s parks. There is no safe recreational space where children can play or families can gather. The absence of such spaces is pushing children indoors or on streets, exposing them to dangers. Villages like Uttersoo, Chittergul, and Ranipora too require similar facilities. A few green, vibrant parks can uplift community morale, promote physical activity, and foster social bonding.

Equally important is the establishment of community halls. Shangus, despite its population and cultural richness, lacks proper community spaces. These halls could serve as venues for public meetings, cultural events, weddings, and disaster relief coordination. In a region as socially active as ours, these halls are not a luxury but a necessity.

The youth of Shangus are brimming with talent, but what they lack are opportunities and platforms. In the domain of sports, there is an urgent need for more stadiums and sports grounds. A well-equipped sports stadium in Shangus could encourage hundreds of aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams. Local tournaments, inter-village competitions, and training camps can foster unity and excellence among youth. Villages like Khundroo, Nowgam, and Sambrunna also deserve smaller sports facilities to keep the youth engaged and away from harmful distractions like drug abuse or extremist influences.

If education, health, and sports go hand in hand with infrastructure, Shangus can transform into a model town. Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan has already sown the seeds of this transformation, and now it is the duty of higher authorities and departments to support his efforts. Road upgradation must be prioritized. Pedestrian pavements must be constructed. Beautification of road banks, installation of street lights, development of parks, construction of community halls, and creation of sports infrastructure should be on the government’s radar.

The people of Shangus are not asking for miracles. They are simply asking for what they rightfully deserve—basic infrastructure, safety for their children, opportunities for their youth, and dignity for their elders. Their demands are not political but practical. Their dreams are not grandiose but grounded.

In conclusion, Shangus stands at a crossroads—both literally and metaphorically. It has leadership in the form of Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan, public will in the form of active citizenry, and potential in the form of natural and human resources. What it needs now is attention, investment, and urgency. Because every day of delay means another child struggling to cross a dangerous road, another youth waiting for a ground to play on, and another family waiting for a place to celebrate a moment of joy.

It is time we listen to Shangus. It is time we invest in its road to progress.