Kupwara’s Hospital, Jamia roads in gridlock: Commuters, patients, traders bear brunt

Kupwara, Oct 21: Frequent traffic jams on Hospital and Jamia roads, two of Kupwara town’s busiest arteries, are causing major inconvenience for commuters, pedestrians, students, patients, and shopkeepers. Residents say the problem has worsened over the past few months, leading to economic losses for traders and disruptions in daily life.

Locals blame wrong parking and roadside fruit and vegetable vendors for the congestion. During peak hours, vehicles remain stuck for long stretches, while pedestrians struggle to move through crowded roads. “The situation becomes critical during emergencies,” said a resident. “Ambulances and patients heading to the Sub District Hospital face delays, and students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College for Women also find it difficult to reach their institutions.”

Shopkeepers said the traffic snarls drive away customers, affecting their trade.

Mohammad Ishaq, President of the Traders Federation Kupwara, said: “Even though a designated vending zone exists, most vendors prefer to operate on the roadside, causing frequent jams. Hospital Road bears the brunt of this chaos.”

Residents and traders have repeatedly approached authorities to relocate vendors and enforce parking rules, but no permanent action has been taken. Ishaq urged the administration to take immediate measures to decongest the roads, safeguard pedestrian movement, ensure smooth access for patients, and protect local businesses.