‘Decongest city roads to ensure smooth vehicular movement’
Srinagar, Oct 4: In a bid to streamline traffic mobility in the city, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a high-level meeting with stakeholder departments to review ongoing and proposed measures aimed at decongesting major and interior roads in Srinagar city.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chairpersons of LCMA, SDA, SSP Traffic Srinagar, ADC Srinagar, Chief Engineer R&B, Joint Commissioner SMC, and representatives from the Wildlife, Transport, and JKRTC.
The meeting held threadbare discussions on the development of Multi-Level Parking at different locations, widening of Boulevard Road, development of Smart City charging Infrastructure, operationalisation of ITMS cameras and traffic signals, regulation of E-Rickshaws and framing of Policy for influx of used vehicles.
On the occasion, he laid emphasis on expediting the creation of multi-parking facilities, particularly in high-density areas such as Nishat, Shalimar Bagh, Jama Masjid, Sanat Nagar, Bemina, and Batamaloo.
The meeting also discussed impact of the widening of Boulevard Road to ease traffic pressure and enhance tourist and local movement, besides allowing one-way traffic from Dalgate to Nehru Park. Also, the meeting discussed introducing one-way traffic movement on selected interior roads. It was decided to start the initiative on the pilot basis to assess its effectiveness before wider implementation.
Development of charging infrastructure for Smart City electric buses to avoid bunching of e-buses was also discussed.
Meanwhile, Div Com directed the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) to adhere to the committed timelines for the operation of traffic lights and ITMS cameras at 66 key junctions.
Further, Div Com urged to encourage private landowners along Boulevard Road to partner with the administration by lending land for parking purposes on tripartite basis. He also called for the regulation of e-rickshaws and the demarcation of ‘No-Go Zones’ to reduce congestion on main roads.
The meeting deliberated on the need for a policy to regulate the increasing number of used vehicles being brought into Kashmir Valley.
To ensure effective execution, Div Com directed all departments to categorize proposed measures into short-term, mid-term, and long-term actions. He stressed on inter-departmental coordination and strict adherence to timelines to deliver impactful results.
Garg also emphasised for removal of bottlenecks across key corridors and urged all departments to work collectively to improve the urban transport ecosystem in Srinagar.
