Restrictions imposed on daytime entry of heavy load carriers to Sopore town

Baramulla, June 9: The Baramulla district administration has restricted the entry of heavy load carriers including trucks, tippers, and tractors with trolleys into Sopore town during daytime hours.

The decision has been taken following numerous complaints from the local residents that the movement of heavy load carriers are causing traffic disruption in the town which leads to severe hardships to common people including the students.

The order was issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore (ADC) and the local administrative officials have been asked to implement the order immediately.

While acknowledging the immense inconvenience to the residents, especially the school children and the parents, the order reads that the primary causes of traffic jams include the encroachment on footpaths, improper parking, and the loading and unloading of goods by heavy vehicles during the day disrupting traffic flow, and leading to unnecessary traffic jam and inconvenience to common people.

“One particularly affected area is the stretch from Main Chowk to Jamia Masjid, which frequently experiences severe traffic jams. The presence of heavy vehicles occupying substantial road space for goods handling is cited as a major contributing factor of traffic mess in the town,” reads the order.

The parents too have voiced their concerns about the inconvenience their children face in reaching schools on time due to these blockades. “To tackle this issue, a meeting was held on April 8, 2024, with representatives from the Traders Association Sopore, Transport Association Sopore, and Civil Society Sopore. The consensus was to prohibit the entry of heavy vehicles during the day, which is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion,” reads the order.

Following this meeting, a committee, led by the CEO of the Municipal Committee (MC) Sopore and comprising the Tehsildar Sopore, ARTO Sopore, SHO Sopore, and the President of the Traders Association Sopore, was formed.

The committee's findings supported the restriction, highlighting the need to limit the movement of heavy vehicles to ensure smoother traffic flow.

“The order restricts all heavy load carriers from entering Sopore town for loading or unloading goods between 8:00 am and 6:30 pm. This measure aims to facilitate hassle-free traffic regulation and improve daily commutes for Sopore's residents,” said an official at Sopore.