Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Oct 15 (KINS): Frequent traffic jams on several major roads in Srinagar have become a daily concern for commuters, as long queues of vehicles and slow-moving traffic cause delays and disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
From Lal Chowk, MA Road and Jahangir Chowk to Batamaloo, Bemina Tangpora, Parimpora and other busy stretches, traffic congestion continues to disrupt daily life, leaving office-goers, students, traders and public transport users struggling to reach their destinations on time.
The problem is particularly pronounced around major commercial centres, busy intersections, where vehicles often remain stuck for extended periods.
Commuters say even relatively short journeys can take considerably longer during peak hours, while frequent stoppages and bottlenecks add to the daily frustration.
Roadside encroachments, haphazard parking, the growing number of private vehicles and the limited capacity of several busy roads have added to the pressure on Srinagar’s already congested road network.
In some areas, roadside vendors occupying road margins and footpaths further restrict the space available for vehicles and pedestrians.
“Traffic congestion has become a regular problem. Even when we leave home early, there is no guarantee that we will reach our destination on time. A short stretch can take a long time to cross, especially during office hours,” Shabir Ahmadm, a commuter, from Bemina told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Public transport users and students said unpredictable travel times were affecting their daily schedules, while traders pointed to the difficulties faced by customers and delivery vehicles in reaching commercial areas.
However, roadside vendors say they should not be viewed as the sole cause of congestion, arguing that many depend on street vending for their livelihood and require designated spaces to operate without obstructing traffic.
Traffic management remains a challenge for the authorities as Srinagar’s roads accommodate private vehicles, public transport, pedestrians and commercial activity within a limited road space.
One of the senior traffic police officials said the Traffic Police regularly conducts drives to remove roadside obstructions and address violations affecting the smooth movement of vehicles.
He said action is also taken against illegal parking and other traffic violations, with special drives conducted around busy junctions and hospital areas where congestion poses particular difficulties.
Traffic officials have maintained that enforcement measures are necessary to keep roads clear, particularly on stretches already under pressure from heavy vehicle movement.
Local news agency in a report said that a study published in Transportation Research Procedia has also highlighted the strain on Srinagar’s road network.
“The research identifies major corridors around Lal Chowk and MA Road as heavily congested, with volume-to-capacity ratios exceeding 0.90, indicating that traffic demand on these stretches approaches the estimated carrying capacity of the roads.The study also identifies Jahangir Chowk and Batamaloo among locations experiencing pronounced congestion. It estimates that the MA Road–Dalgate corridor handles around 45,000 vehicles daily and attributes the wider problem to rising dependence on private vehicles, limited road capacity, mixed traffic movement and shortcomings in public transport”.
Commuters say sustained relief will require more than occasional traffic clearance drives. They call for stricter action against illegal parking and road encroachments, better management of busy intersections, designated vending spaces and improved public transport to reduce dependence on private vehicles. (KINS)
