Speed Kills: Srinagar's Uptown Bypass witnesses spurt in road accidents
Srinagar, Dec 24: Srinagar's Uptown Bypass, a key corridor connecting north and south Kashmir, has become a growing source of concern due to frequent accidents along the stretch passing through Pantha Chowk, Tengpora, HMT, Hyderpora, Shalteng, Bemina, and Lawaypora.
Originally designed as a four-lane bypass to ease congestion and facilitate smoother traffic movement, the road now carries heavy volumes of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and private cars. However, multiple at-grade intersections, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and overspeeding have contributed to a regular occurrence of accidents along the corridor.
The bypass has witnessed several serious accidents in recent years.
In 2024, two teenagers were killed in an accident at Tengpora, sparking renewed debate over road safety.
In 2023, two people lost their lives after being hit by an ambulance near Children's Hospital Bemina, highlighting the risks pedestrians face on the busy stretch.
The pattern continued in 2025.
In August, two policemen were killed in a road accident, while a 21-year-old motorcyclist lost his life near HMT later in the year. Nine people were injured when a vehicle overturned, and a teenager was killed in Lawaypora following a high-speed crash. Just last week, a vehicle crashed into roadside grills at an intersection, followed by another accident shortly after.
The stretch's importance adds to the challenge. It houses major facilities, including Children's Hospital Bemina, vehicle showrooms, commercial establishments, and factories that generate significant pedestrian traffic. The bypass also serves as a crucial link between Srinagar and north Kashmir's Baramulla, as well as south Kashmir districts, making it one of the city's busiest roads.
"There is fear every time we step onto this road. Every other day, we hear about an accident. Vehicles move at high speed, heavy trucks cut lanes, and pedestrians have no safe crossings," said Asif Shah, a commuter from South Kashmir.
Residents point to reckless driving, overspeeding, and minors driving vehicles as contributing factors. "Teenagers often race on this stretch, and heavy vehicles also ply without restraint," said a Bemina shopkeeper.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic City Srinagar) Ajaz Ahmed said strict policing measures are being implemented. "We are continuously ensuring strict enforcement on this stretch. There will be no relaxation for overspeeding, violating traffic norms, or parents allowing minors to drive," he said, adding that traffic personnel are being deployed at major intersections.
SSP Traffic acknowledged that infrastructure improvements are also needed, and the traffic department is coordinating with relevant agencies.
A senior Roads and Buildings Department official said several infrastructure projects are planned to address safety concerns. These include a foot overbridge near Children's Hospital Bemina, a two-kilometre flyover at Shalteng Chowk, a smaller flyover near Mominabad in Batamaloo, and a vehicle underpass at Nowgam Railway. "All tenders have been floated and allotted. After completing necessary formalities, work will begin," he said.
Residents emphasise that the timely execution of projects, along with sustained monitoring and strict enforcement, is essential. "The bypass needs both discipline and design correction. Without that, this road will continue to claim lives," said Shahid Ahmed, a local from Sanatnagar.
