Traffic cops struggle to manage congestion in Ganderbal amid manpower shortage

Ganderbal, Oct 1: Commuters in Ganderbal continue to face severe delays due to frequent traffic jams, particularly along the Nagbal-Beehama stretch.

Locals say the congestion causes immense problems for employees, students, and even emergency services.

“Ambulances are often stuck in traffic here, putting patients’ lives at risk,” commuters told Greater Kashmir.

Despite repeated assurances from authorities, traffic management remains ineffective, especially near the SP office, Beehama Chowk, and Tawheed Chowk during peak hours. Residents say traffic cops often focus on document checks and challans instead of regulating vehicle flow, exacerbating congestion.

Officials acknowledge that the traffic department is struggling with a lack of manpower. Currently, only 15 traffic personnel are tasked with managing violations and ensuring smooth traffic across the district. Locals say the shortage results in inefficient traffic management and adds stress for both commuters and traffic staff.

DySP Traffic Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmed, said managing traffic at Beehama Chowk is particularly challenging due to vehicles entering from three sides and frequent halts by mini buses and autorickshaws. “We deploy our men regularly, but the narrow roads mean that even a single wrong parking or stoppage can trigger a jam,” he explained.

Ahmed also highlighted the pressure on traffic personnel, noting that the shortage of staff leads to burnout and limits their ability to manage traffic efficiently. Residents urge authorities to increase manpower and prioritise traffic regulation during peak hours to ease congestion and improve commuter safety.