Srinagar’s traffic congestion echoes in Assembly

Srinagar, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir government Friday admitted that Srinagar city was witnessing traffic congestion stating that various initiatives were taken to streamline the traffic movement in the city.

This was revealed in a reply to a question raised by MLA Mubarak Gul. The government said to ease out the problem of congestion, the Government, through Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), Public Works (R&B) Department and in coordination with other concerned agencies, is implementing several measures including installation of traffic signals.

"In Srinagar, traffic signals have been made functional at 61 locations to regulate traffic movement. A CCTV-based Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been implemented for real-time monitoring and enforcement," the government informed the House.

The government further said that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for de-congestion are under examination under the framework of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee for Traffic Management.

"SSCL is also operating 2,322 off-street and 1,804 on-street parking spaces," the government in a written reply said.

In Jammu city, an Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) and an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) have been established for adaptive traffic control and centralized monitoring.

"Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facilities have been developed for the convenience of the public," the reply reads.

The government said that multi level car parking near General Bus Stand has capacity for 80 buses, 1313 cars and 177 two-wheelers.

"Panjtirthi Multi Level Car Parking (MLCP) has capacity for 240 cars and 136 two-wheelers," the reply reads.

It further reads that on-street parking facilities have also been created at identified locations to streamline parking and improve traffic flow.

"The Public Works (R&B) Department, in close coordination with concerned agencies, is undertaking up gradation and widening of existing roads, junction improvements, removal of bottlenecks, construction of flyovers where feasible, and allied traffic management measures," the government reply reads.

The government further informed that in Srinagar, DPRs for decongestion works are under examination, while in Jammu, multiple road widening and infrastructure improvement works are already in progress.

The government further said that a fleet of 100 e buses under the PM e Bus Sewa Scheme (each for Srinagar and Jammu) is proposed to be inducted to reduce dependence on private vehicles.

"SSCL continues to augment parking infrastructure and traffic management systems," the reply reads.

In Jammu, JSCL, in coordination with JMC, has planned the development of multiple Multi Level Car Parking facilities at strategic locations as well.

These locations include Jewel Parking with capacity of 250 vehicles, SMGS (300), Mubarak Mandi (200), Parade (200), Chanderbagh (Mechanized) (100).

"These initiatives aim to reduce on street parking, ease traffic bottlenecks and improve circulation," the reply reads.

The government further said that the Public Works (R&B) department is undertaking identification and removal of bottlenecks, road widening, junction improvements, development of multi story parking cum shopping complexes, rehabilitation of affected families, and coordinated planning with the Traffic Police, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and PWD to ensure sustainable traffic management.