Foggy conditions, slippery roads pose risk of accidents to commuters

Srinagar, Jan 4: Foggy conditions amid freezing cold is giving a tough time to commuters to navigate roads in the summer capital.

Commuters said that during morning hours, low visibility has made it risky for them to navigate the roads. They appealed to authorities to put measures in place like advisories for and more traffic cops on roads to ensure safe commutes amid foggy conditions.

As per the officials, in the past few days, the visibility dipped to 300 meters, which also led to disruption in the air traffic to and from Srinagar airport. The commuters also said that traffic divisions and lack of traffic cops in Srinagar areas add to the traffic woes, especially during early morning and evening hours.

“Fog is a natural phenomenon but authorities can issue advisories and put more cops on ground to ensure smooth flow of traffic. For the past few days, it has been very difficult for officegoers and other commuters to travel,” said Showkat Ahmad, a commuter.

The commuters also said that defunct traffic lights and divisions at several places make it difficult for them to navigate amid foggy conditions in Srinagar. The commuters also decried slippery roads, which freeze overnight and make it risky for them to commute.

“There are several areas where traffic lights are not functional, and it gets difficult, especially during foggy conditions. The diversions in place at several areas in Srinagar, including the city center, has also made it difficult for them to navigate properly,” said another commuter.

Officials from traffic police said that commuters should take all the precautions and follow traffic rules to avoid any issues.

“Since the implementation of ITMS, there is better monitoring of the traffic in Srinagar. As the foggy conditions are frequent due to weather, commuters should take every precaution and follow SOPs,” said an official.