Illegal crossover near Children’s Hospital poses risk to commuters

Srinagar, Nov 26: A dangerous practice of commuters breaching traffic rules along the Bypass Road near the Children’s Hospital is posing a risk of accidents on the busy stretch.

Commuters and local transporters have been using a small, illegal opening in the central divider to cross to the opposite carriageway rather than taking the designated U-turn several hundred meters away.

The stretch, already notorious for major accidents, witnesses heavy movement of vehicles, including trucks and passenger carriers. Witnesses said that during rush hours, scores of two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws dangerously manoeuvre through the improvised crossover, risking collision with high-speed traffic from both sides.

“People have even flattened the surface on that divider opening to make way for bikes and autos. I saw at least four commuters had a narrow escape within one hour. A truck missed hitting a scooter by inches,” said Sahil Ahmad, a commuter.

Residents and commuters said the issue has persisted for months, turning the location into a major spot of chaos. They said that with several hospitals, including JVC and the Children’s Hospital, located nearby, the presence of ambulances and emergency vehicles adds to the vulnerability of the stretch.

Another commuter, Shabir Bhat, said the lack of adequate U-turns and pedestrian facilities forces people to take dangerous shortcuts. “Authorities need to understand that people resort to these illegal crossings due to a lack of proper turning points and zebra crossings. We urge authorities to create better U-turns and exits so that things will get better,” he said.

A senior traffic police official said the department will take immediate action. “We will deploy personnel for enforcement and ensure that any illegal crossings are sealed. We also appeal to the public to follow traffic rules and avoid risking lives,” the official said.