Slow pace of Dalgate bridge construction irks commuters

Srinagar, Nov 7: Commuters have expressed resentment against the slow pace of work on construction of Dalgate bridge here.

Inordinate delay in construction of the bridge has become a major traffic bottleneck in Srinagar.

Commuters said that due to the lingering project, vital Dalgate road that connects with many areas, including the city centre, Downtown, and Boulevard, has been facing chronic traffic jams.  Inhabitants of Dalgate and adjacent areas said that they are facing problems while commuting in the area.

“We commute through the area on a daily basis, and the work is going on at a slow pace. At this speed, the project will not be completed anytime soon. This lingering project has become a major traffic bottleneck, and we are suffering on a daily basis,” said Zahid Ahmad, a commuter.

An official from the Traffic department said that due to construction of the Dalgate bridge near Badyari crossing, MA Road is witnessing heavy rush of vehicles, more than its capacity.

“Dalgate-bound vehicles coming from Downtown take the Sangarmall route instead of Badyari Crossing, overburdening  MA Road. As soon as the bridge is completed, we will see respite in traffic jams around Dalgate and the city centre,” said the official.

The commuters said that due to the project, traffic diversions have been put in place, which has been hampering traffic flow.

“Diversion following construction of the bridge are creating traffic bottlenecks. Whether you are coming from Downtown, Boulevard, or city centre, there are constant traffic jams at Dalgate. This has led to long traffic jams, taking a huge toll on commuters,” said Faisal Ahmad, another commuter.

The commuters said during peak hours of morning and evening, traffic jams are worse. They said scores of students and office goes take these routes and get stuck in long traffic jams.

“Our school-going children are also suffering. The issue is also hampering the movement of essential services as well,” said a local.

Officials from the R&B said that the work will be completed by the end of this year. A senior official from the department claimed that they have started work in full swing. “The work on the project will be completed by December this year,” he said.