Historic Downtown markets losing footfall to traffic chaos, bottlenecks

Srinagar, May 25: The centuries-old markets of Shaher-e-Khaas in Srinagar’s Downtown area are witnessing a steady decline, as worsening accessibility continues to deter shoppers and cripple business.

Traders say that the area’s lack of proper road access, congested lanes, and absence of infrastructure for both private and public transport have turned the city’s once-thriving commercial heart into a struggling zone.

Known for their historic charm and cultural significance, markets such as Bohri Kadal, Zaina Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, and SR Gunj are now battling a slow but visible erosion in customer footfall. Shopkeepers attribute the downturn to the narrow roads, limited entry and exit points, and the absence of adequate parking facilities, which discourage both local and outstation customers from visiting.

Nazir Ahmad Shah, President, Shaher-e-Khaas Traders Alliance, said the issue has persisted for years, and repeated appeals to the administration have gone unanswered.

According to Shah, one of the biggest bottlenecks lies at Bohri Kadal Chowk, a crucial entry point that, if slightly widened, could drastically improve access to over a dozen connected markets. He said the market’s revival hinges on removing such physical obstructions and creating space for smoother traffic flow. The congestion has become so frustrating, Shah said, that even loyal customers from far-off areas are being pushed away. “This is a historic market, and people come here not only to shop but to visit revered shrines. But with growing urban demands, people now expect easy vehicular access, which we lack. That’s hurting us badly,” he said.

Shah emphasised that a practical solution would involve removing a few structures that block road expansion and offering proper rehabilitation to the affected owners. This, he said, would serve the broader interest of keeping the Shaher-e-Khaas markets alive. The absence of any structured parking zones is further compounding the problem. Shoppers have little choice but to park haphazardly along already narrow roads, adding to the traffic mess. As a result, many are opting for other markets that offer easier access and fewer logistical headaches.

Abdul Rashid, a regular shopper who used to frequent Downtown, said he has almost stopped going there. “I’ve been shopping in these markets for years, but now it’s too hectic. There’s no space, no parking, and the traffic is maddening. It’s just easier to go elsewhere,” he said.

Traders also expressed frustration that while some cosmetic improvements were made under the Smart City Project, like upgraded footpaths and better lighting, no meaningful work was done to address the underlying structural issues that affect traffic and accessibility.

Despite repeated pleas, they say the administration has failed to take concrete steps to implement a plan that could restore the vibrancy of these historic marketplaces. For now, Shaher-e-Khaas traders continue to struggle, watching their footfall dwindle and their businesses suffer, as they wait for action that could turn things around.