Frequent traffic jams in the summer capital have become a common feature post-snowfall with commuters alleging that the traffic regulation has gone from bad to worse.
“Frequent traffic jams signify failure of authorities to streamline the system. The commuters are also at blame as they don’t follow the traffic rules,” exclaimed Tariq Ahmad of Batamaloo.
He said that the traffic jams have increased in the city because a large number of traffic cops “have been shifted from Srinagar to Jammu” and “ab insufficient number here is unable to regulate congested roads”.
The problem is compounded due to presence of street vendors on vital roads including Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Dalgate, Hari Singh High Street and Iqbal Park.
“It is ironical that major portion of road at Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas are occupied by street vendors. This hampers vehicular and pedestrian movement,” said Mehraj-u-Din of Khanyar
Massive traffic jam are witnessed these days at MA Road, Residency Road, Jahangir Chowk, Dalgate, Sonwar, Rainawari, Pantha Chowk, Bemina, Batamaloo and other adjacent areas.
The problem is further compounded by closing down of traffic light operations at vital junctions.
“Travelling on city roads has become more of a time- and energy-consuming experience. At few places, a commuter has to spend twenty minutes to complete the distance of five kilometers which otherwise is just five to seven minutes drive normally,” said a group of commuters at Abdullah Bridge.
At Rambagh, Hyderpora, Sanat Nagar and other adjacent roads, the traffic also moves at snail’s pace. “Traffic jams have become a routine affair. No efforts are being made to regulate vehicular movement,” said a commuter.
SSP Traffic Javaid Koul said that the presence of mounds of snow along roadsides, designated parking areas and footpaths have choked the roads, resulting in traffic jams.
“The traffic police is working to regulate the traffic. We had proposed to introduce odd-even number rule on the pattern of Delhi for ten days in Srinagar, and that is under consideration of the authorities,” he said.