‘Open Zero Bridge junction for common people’

Srinagar, Sep 7: Commuters have expressed strong resentment over the closure of the Zero Bridge junction, saying it causes inconvenience to them.

A delegation of commuters said by closing the junction, “why are common people being treated like a herd of Sheep.”

“For years, the right turn at Raj Bagh Zero Bridge junction has remained closed to the general public, while it is kept open exclusively for VIPs. Traffic personnel are permanently stationed to assist VIP movement, yet ordinary citizens are diverted towards the Old Zero Bridge U-turn — without any traffic management support. This diversion has created a permanent choke point, making daily travel for common people difficult,” they said.

Elaborating, the delegation said ”the U-turn is plagued by a three-feet square road depression in the shape main hole, encroachments by taxi stands, and unregulated halts by buses, taxis, and autos that turn the stretch into a virtual stand. Despite being one of the busiest junctions, no traffic personnel are deployed there. Even on holidays, when traffic volume is low, the same diversion continues unnecessarily, reflecting a lack of flexible and smart management.”

“It is unacceptable that ordinary people are subjected to such neglect while VIPs receive exclusive facilitation. The authorities must take immediate action to repair the damaged road surface, remove taxi stand encroachments, deploy traffic personnel at the U-turn, and adopt a fair diversion policy that balances public convenience with traffic needs. Authorities must act urgently to restore fairness and improve traffic management at Zero Bridge,” they added.