Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Sep 20 (KINS): The Srinagar Baramulla highway stretching from Narbal to Bemina, has increasingly turned into a speedway for vehicles, raising serious concerns over public safety.
Residents and commuters along this stretch report frequent accidents caused by speeding vehicles, with tragic consequences.
The highway, which passes through several critical junctions, has witnessed multiple accidents in recent years. Just a day ago, a couple lost their lives after being hit by a speeding vehicle near Umarabad. Witnesses say that vehicles often travel at dangerously high speeds, leaving pedestrians with little chance to avoid collisions.
Local residents warn that the problem is exacerbated by several poorly managed junctions along the route.
News agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) reported that areas such as Shalteng Crossing, the Fruit Mandi, and near Ansari Motors are particularly dangerous, with vehicles frequently moving on the wrong side, ignoring traffic rules.
Despite occasional interventions, traffic authorities have largely been unable to maintain control over these high-risk zones. While traffic police occasionally step in to manage flow during peak hours, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving pedestrians and local commuters vulnerable.
The presence of two major hospitals along this highway adds another layer of concern. While the JVC Hospital has an overhead bridge that allows commuters to cross safely, the Children’s Hospital lacks any such facility. Parents and children are often forced to navigate the fast-moving traffic to reach the hospital, exposing them to serious risks. Residents point out that without proper pedestrian crossings or safety measures, crossing this busy highway is a daily gamble.
One of the major challenges, according to locals, is the inadequate monitoring of vehicle speed. Speed limits, though officially in place, are rarely enforced. “Vehicles come at such high speed that it’s impossible to cross safely,” says a resident near Umarabad. “Even traffic police cannot control all areas at all times, and that leaves pedestrians extremely vulnerable.”
Adding to the danger is the lack of proper traffic calming measures along this stretch. The combination of wrong-side driving, high-speed vehicles, and frequent junctions creates a hazardous environment for both pedestrians and commuters. Local shopkeepers, daily wage workers, and school children often find themselves at risk as they attempt to navigate the busy road.
Authorities, while occasionally tightening traffic enforcement, have yet to introduce systematic measures such as speed cameras, pedestrian bridges near hospitals, and dedicated crossings at critical junctions. Residents demand immediate action, warning that without effective regulation, the highway will continue to claim lives.
The recent tragedy near Umarabad has once again highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive traffic management on this highway stretch. Experts argue that a combination of stricter enforcement, speed monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure improvements is necessary to prevent further loss of life.
In the meantime, local citizens remain apprehensive. “We cannot even step out safely during peak hours,” says another resident. “The highway, which is meant to connect communities, has become a zone of fear.”(KINS)
