Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Saturday said that road widening in Srinagar city requires unique interventions while authorities had initiated process for installation of Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS).
Speaking at a seminar on road safety organised by Traffic Police City here, Choudhary said that Srinagar has more than 2.50 lakh vehicles.
“Srinagar has a deficit of parking spaces and there is a limited scope for road widening. So there is a need for unique interventions and participation from all stakeholders,” he said.
The DC said that as a part of Smart City project, Srinagar would shortly have ITMS.
“We are working on ITMS and junction improvements at more than 15 locations but the rising number of vehicles will continue to be a challenge where strengthening public transport is the only option for which steps are underway,” he said.
Choudhary lauded the efforts of the Traffic Police City and said that month-long celebrations under the National Road Safety would prove a great source of awareness.
“All stakeholders are being invited in the month-long celebrations. This is important as stakeholders have a vital role in creating awareness among the common masses,” he said.
The DC said that all the stakeholders had role to motivate the commuters to adhere to road safety by observing traffic rules.
He urged the young participants in the seminar to explain the necessity of road safety, use of helmets and seat belts to the people in their respective localities.
“It is a positive sign that youngsters are coming forward to be the part of these awareness campaigns. We encourage them to be the change makers. Their cooperation is necessary to develop a sense of traffic rules in the society,” Choudhary said.
He said that to improve traffic regulation on roads, there was a need for a collective effort of both the authorities and other stakeholders.
Guest speaker Mufti Nazir Ahmad delivered a detailed talk on the use of roads and following rules in light of the Hadiths.
Road accident victim Waqar Ahmad appealed the participants to exercise caution to avoid ruining their lives forever.
Another speaker Azan who lost his brother in a road accident narrated the woeful tale his mother and other family members had to undergo and appealed everyone to exercise caution.