Conversion of Hyderpora underpass for parking by cab operators irks commuters

Srinagar, Feb 28: Commuters have expressed concern over conversion of Hyderpora underpass into a parking slot by some cab operators and sought action.

They said the underpass is surrounded by a footpath that has been blocked by illegally parked vehicles, hindering movement of pedestrians.

“Vendors have occupied the majority of footpaths in Srinagar, and rest have been turned into parking lots. If this continues, we won’t have any space left for pedestrians. Authorities should look into such issues, where footpaths and flyover underpasses are being used to park vehicles,” said Mudasir Ahmad, a pedestrian.

Many Srinagarites also took to social media, sharing pictures of cabs parked on the Hyderpora underpass's footpath. The pedestrians also urged authorities to take necessary action in this regard.

“Why use the space for parking, which is an underpass of Hyderpora Bypass Crossing, which makes it dangerous for commuters,” Farooq Ahmad, a netizen, wrote.

The pedestrians said that such encroachment is putting the lives of hundreds of pedestrians at risk who are forced to walk on the road following the encroachment of footpaths.

Greater Kashmir did a series of stories on footpaths being encroached by scrap dealers and second-hand vehicle dealers for their use. Recently, Srinagar Smart City faced backlash from commuters and pedestrians for extending the parking zone at MA Road and allowing paid parking on the footpath.

An official from Srinagar Smart City Ltd said that they are working to ensure zero tolerance against encroachment of footpaths.

“We will make sure that such issues are looked into so that the roads are pedestrian friendly in Srinagar,” said the official.