Slow pace of Smart City works at Jehangir Chowk intersection hits traffic movement

Srinagar, May 7: Ongoing construction of a rotary under the Smart City project at the busy Jahangir Chowk intersection aimed at managing high traffic volumes, is causing severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded during peak hours.

The convergence of traffic from areas like Rambagh, Natipora, Chanpora, Sanat Nagar, Rawalpora, and Peerbagh towards Batamaloo and Lal Chowk at Jahangir Chowk has resulted in significant traffic jams.

The persistent traffic congestion at Jahangir Chowk due to slow pace of Smart City works has sparked growing concerns among the populace.

“The traffic situation at Jahangir Chowk has become unbearable. It takes me over an hour my office in morning. The supposed solution to end traffic jams seems to has become a major problem," said Waheed Ahmad, a resident of Natipora who works in the city centre. Another commuter, Zaheer Khan said that it's a daily struggle to navigate through the “mess” at Jahangir Chowk. “The construction and ongoing digging have made things worse. We were promised smoother traffic flow, but we're experiencing the opposite,” he said.

The frustration extends beyond delayed commutes. Many employees are finding it increasingly difficult to reach their workplaces on time, raising concerns about productivity and work schedules.

"Reaching the office on time has become a challenge. The traffic situation at Jahangir Chowk is unpredictable, and it often throws off my entire schedule,” said another commuter, who works in the Civil Secretariat.

According to the Smart City Officials, the upcoming redesign is poised to “revolutionise” the area, promising not only improved vehicular flow but also a heightened pedestrian experience.

“By introducing a rotary, traffic flow is made more continuous, which decreases waiting times and the pollution associated with idling engines. Moreover, the rotary is planned to facilitate smoother transitions between different traffic streams without the need for frequent stops, which often contribute to bottlenecks,” they said.

General Manager of Planning at Smart City Limited, Anuj Malhotra, told Greater Kashmir that the macadamisation at Jahangir chowk junction will be done this week.

"Once macadamisation will be done. Traffic flow will be eased and normalised," he said.

SSP Traffic City, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, told Greater Kashmir that once the construction is completed traffic will be streamlined. He said that efforts are underway to address the issues.