Roads closed for repair work

Reconstruction or repair work of roads, or laying of drainage pipes is going on at a number of places in Srinagar city. Either these road stretches have been completely closed or only one way traffic is allowed there. Closure of such roads is a requirement and that is understandable.

But making people aware about these things through media or social media frequently is also important. So that the information reaches to more people and that they take necessary route diversions and do not face any kind of inconvenience.

Providing timely information about such measures has become imperative since lot of construction or repair work is going on the roads in different parts of the city. Those traveling frequently through the areas or adjoining places later get to know about the road closure on their own. But those traveling via these roads finally find the roads closed after having covered a long distance.

Take for instance the Nowpora Road. Only one way traffic is allowed from Khanyar Chowk towards Dalgate on this road. The vehicles moving from Dalgate and heading towards Khanyar are stopped at Kohnakhan. They are not allowed towards Khayam Chowk and Nowpora and diverted through Bishamber Nagar Road towards at the fountain crossing.

There they have to take a turn towards Munwarabad Chowk and move towards Baba Demb Road. Some vehicles try to move on Khayam Chowk Road from Munwarabad and intend to go towards Nowpora to reach Khanyar. Those are again stopped at Khayam Chowk and directed to go back towards Kohnakhan to move on Bishamber Nagar Road.

In the process, lot of their time is lost and it also causes traffic jamming. Sign boards must be also kept at the closed sites to guide the commuters about the diverted routes they can take for onward journey. Such things seem very minor but have much significance. Sometimes some people argue with the officials on the spot to allow their vehicles to move through the restricted roads.

For obvious reasons their pleas are turned down. There should be a proper mechanism to inform people about the closure of roads or road stretches. So that people follow directions properly and there is no inconvenience to them. Secondly, there is a need to complete these works in time. The work should not unnecessarily linger on.