On the suggestions of state traffic advisor, the authorities have “redesigned” Soura busy four-way junction to make road safer and prevent traffic jams.
Under the new design, the junction serving as important intersection has been given enough space for pedestrian walking, bus bay and emergency entrance and exit for ambulances to the SK Institute of Medical Sciences.
The junction is exactly at the main gate of SKIMS Soura. An official on condition of anonymity, because he is not authorized to speak to the media, said that redesigning of the junction was a part of effort by the authorities to ensure smooth passage by the vehicles.
He said the redesigning was also aimed to avoid any road risks for both the commuters/passengers and the pedestrians.
The assessment of factors leading to traffic jam was video recorded and analysed several times to resolve it on scientific methods. “The work on redesigning of the junction began earlier and was completed last night under the supervision of state traffic advisor Anuj Malhotra.”
Now across the juncture, there are 45 designated bus bays. On Dr Ali Jan Road authorities have designated 6 bus pullouts, six on Noushera road, 10 on road leading to Ganderbal, 20 on road coming from Ganderbal and 30 off-line bus stops outside SKIMS 3.
The juncture is having 300 meters length and 40 meters width approximately. The bus bay has been given space of 2.5 x 7 meters.
State traffic advisor Anuj Malhotra said to install intelligent lights on this juncture is also under active consideration of authorities.
He said that during their observation of recorded video, it was found that around eighty percent commuters were taking wrong turn on the juncture.
“These wrong turns especially at busy junctures are risky, endangering public life and property. It was also cause of traffic jams. The redesigned juncture will ensure smooth flow of traffic and road safety.”
He informed that Hyderpora, Rambagh and other junctures will be also redesigned shortly.
“To redesign these two junctions are of utmost importance. We have carried a detailed assessment and observations of these two points and found several factors that lead to traffic jam.”
On the importance of redesigning of busy junctures, he said the move will increase number of vehicles which can cross it per minute.
Elaborating, he said that earlier, 40 vehicles used to pass at the Rajbagh junction per minute. “After redesigning it, the number has increased. The throughout is now between 65 to 75 vehicles,” he said.