Persistent traffic jams in Srinagar take toll on commuters

Srinagar, Nov 8: Persistent traffic jams in city areas are taking a heavy toll on commuters in the summer capital.

Commuters said that in the absence of proper regulation, traffic jams have become more chronic severely affecting essential services, especially movement. This endangers the lives of critical care patients who are stuck in ambulances amid traffic jams.

Srinagarites reacted sharply after a video viral on social media in which an ambulance was seen stuck in a massive traffic jam at Rambagh area of Srinagar. The commuters said that the area is prone to traffic jams, and it is now taking a toll on essential services, too.

“Rambagh area witnesses massive traffic jams, especially during peak hours. Ambulances are often seen getting stuck in traffic jams,” said Fazil Ahmad, a commuter.

The commuters said that construction work at multiple places across Srinagar has added to traffic jams. They said that the incomplete work at Barzulla Bund has also led to the closure of an alternate route, which has also added to the traffic mess in Rambagh, Hyderpora, and Natipora areas.

“The construction work at vital routes has created issues. Most of these developmental works are lingering, taking a toll on traffic movement. We appeal to authorities to address these issues, which are creating traffic bottlenecks across Srinagar,” said another commuter.

Earlier this year, locals in Downtown alleged that a critical patient lost his life as he couldn’t reach the hospital due to massive traffic jams in the old city. Greater Kashmir did a series of stories on how roads leading to hospitals are often crippled with traffic jams which lead to losing of golden hour for critical care patients.

Commuters said traffic diversions at various places in Srinagar including MA Road are adding to traffic mess.

A senior official from Traffic Police said that during peak hours, there is a massive flow of vehicles. He said that they are utilising men and machinery to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

“We will continue to take measures to help streamline traffic. We are also taking action on traffic violators, wrong parking, and other issues so that it doesn’t add to traffic jams” said the official.