SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: Unnecessary diversions and improper use of traffic signals on major roads in Srinagar are creating traffic congestion thereby affecting free flow of commuters bound for tourist places like Mughal Gardens, Harwan Garden, Tulip Garden and other scenic places. Commuters alleged that authorities failed to put in place an effective traffic light system at busy intersections, causing hardships for passengers.
Most of the commuters said that closure of one of the lanes for vehicles bound towards other sides, cause inconvenience to them. Commuters bound for Boulevard from Lal Chowk, have to take U-turn near Khonakhan bridge. Similarly passengers coming from Abdullah Bridge have to take U- turn near Modern Hospital and commuters coming from Budshah Chowk have to take U-turn for Residency road near Sangarmall complex. These exercises prevent smooth flow of vehicular movement from old city towards other places besides leading to gridlocks at different crossings. “These days there are a huge flow of tourists and public transport is already diverted towards other route. Due to fear of traffic jams on normal days, taxi operators move via Gupkaar road leaving many passengers stranded. We understand that sometimes diversions are imposed to streamline traffic, but the bottleneck at different places is only creating problems for passengers. We hope that traffic department will look into the issue as these diversions are hindering essential service like ambulances coming from the district headquarters and adjoining areas of Srinagar city,” a local said. The volume of vehicles on roads has increased manifold during last few decades but roads are still the same. Stray animals on roads also add to the mess prevailing in city. Government should step in and widen city roads so that city-dwellers can get rid of traffic mess.
“Authorities have installed traffic lights at many places in Srinagar but traffic signals are yet to be made operational. Government should prioritize operationalising traffic lights. I think it will play an important role in reducing traffic jams,” told a resident, adding, “Road infrastructure in Srinagar is far below standard. People use their personal vehicles for short distances. There is a problem with traffic management. Proper traffic management and upgradation of road infrastructure are keys to manage continuously increasing vehicles on city roads.”