Authorities wake up to encroachment of city roads

Srinagar, Dec 2: Amid rising concerns over worsening traffic congestion, the Srinagar Traffic Police today removed a taxi stand near Zero Bridge at Rajbagh.

The taxi stand was identified as a major choke point disrupting vehicular movement along the busy stretch linking Abdullah Bridge and adjoining areas.

Officials said the taxi stand had become a persistent bottleneck, especially during peak hours, causing frequent snarls and obstructing essential services. “The stand created serious inconvenience. Bigger vehicles, including ambulances and delivery services, faced problems while taking turns or making U-turns as the space was blocked. It routinely triggered long traffic jams. Removing it was necessary to streamline the flow,” a traffic police officer told Greater Kashmir.

Authorities said operators of auto rickshaws using the stand have been allocated an approved alternative site to ensure their livelihood is not affected.

The removal comes as Srinagar continues to grapple with chronic congestion, driven by roadside encroachments, illegal parking, street vendors occupying carriageways and structures around junctions that shrink road space. Over the past several weeks, commuters have complained of severe delays, turning small distances into hour-long ordeals.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, SSP Traffic City Srinagar Ajaz Ahmad said the department has intensified efforts to identify and address bottlenecks across the city. “Traffic pressure is peaking, and we are continuously mapping problem spots. We are taking measures, including removal of illegal parking, clearing encroachments, and restructuring turning points to ease movement,” he said.

He confirmed that another drive was conducted near LD Hospital, where roadside vendors were removed to streamline the area that routinely witnessed gridlocks.

Residents welcomed the measures but stressed that temporary drives do not solve the crisis unless monitored consistently. “Srinagar has turned into a city of permanent jams. We spend hours stuck near Abdullah Bridge, LD Hospital, Hari Singh High Street, and other stretches. These bottlenecks should be removed permanently, and action should be sustained, not occasional,” said Firdous Ahmad, a commuter from Rajbagh.

Another local near LD Hospital said footpaths have been taken over by vendors, and wrong parking has become the norm. “Footpaths are for walking, and roads are for moving vehicles, but both are blocked. Authorities need to act regularly so that the city breathes again,” he said.