No end to traffic jams in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 9: With no end to traffic jams in the summer capital, people have expressed concern over a lack of regulation and the failure of authorities to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

Amid the festive rush of Eid-ul-Adha on the third consecutive day on Monday, people face inconvenience due to traffic jams at vital routes.

Commuters decried the lack of traffic regulation in Downtown, Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Nowhatta, Harwan, Hazratbal, Boulevard, Sanat Nagar, and the adjoining areas. Commuters said that they faced long traffic jams at several places, with the absence of traffic cops at major intersections adding to the chaos.

"There was a major traffic jam at several places during these three days, particularly during evenings. Vehicles moved bumper-to-bumper, and it took me almost an hour to cover a distance that usually takes 20 minutes," said Sajad Ahmad, a commuter from Srinagar.

Meanwhile, public parks, Mughal gardens such as Nishat and Shalimar, and recreational spots across Srinagar also saw a heavy footfall. Families with children could be seen thronging these locations, enjoying the festive holiday, and making the most of the sunny weather.

There was a massive traffic jam outside the Sangarmal complex near MA Road due to the wrong parking of vehicles. “It is ironic that how authorities allowed an exhibition cum fare at near Sangarmal without proper parking facilities. The entire stretch from Munwarabad to MA Road was blocked due to vehicles parked incorrectly.

Amid Eid celebrations, concerns were raised over road safety. Several cases of underage driving were reported during the Eid days. Several minors were seen riding motorcycles and driving cars, often speeding recklessly through congested streets. Commuters said that many parents, in a bid to send Qurbani meat to relatives, hand over vehicles to their underage children.

"This is extremely risky, and authorities should strictly deal with minors driving vehicles. It not only endangers their own lives but also puts others at risk. On such festive days, the traffic police should crack down on underage drivers and control speeding to prevent accidents," said Faisal Ali, a concerned commuter.