Traffic jams during peak hours pester Srinagarites

Srinagar, Dec 22: Persistent traffic jams in peak hours in various areas of the summer capital are taking a toll on commenters.

Several commuters said that the traffic jams are more persistent during the peak hours in the morning and evening. The commuters said that they are losing precious time while commuting in city areas amid traffic jams.

Complaints were also received about traffic jams in Downtown areas like Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta, Gojwara, Khanyar, Hawal, Zadibal, and Rainawari. They also said that traffic jams in uptown areas like Sanatnagar, Natipoara, and Hyderpora are a routine affair.

“There are massive traffic jams in Downtown during peak hours. The road stretches like Khanyar-Gojwara, Nowhatta-Hawal, and Rainawara-Saida Kadal witness major traffic jams during evening and morning hours. Office goers and other passengers are stuck in jams for hours,” said Farooq Ahmad, a commuter from Downtown.

The locals also said that uptown areas are also witnessing jams, which are creating inconvenience to them. The locals urged traffic police to press more traffic cops in Downtown to manage the traffic. They said that the traffic jams also hinder essential services to major hospitals like SMHS, SKIMS, and JLNM Hospital at Rainawari.

“Amid rise in fire incidents in winter, these issues are adding to the problem. The movement of ambulances, fire tenders, and other essential services is hindered, and unless strict measures are put in place, the issue will continue,” said Mushtaq Ahamd, a local from Hawal.

The locals said since the traffic police have tightened noose around various traffic violations, they should also look into issues like wrong parking and encroachment by vendors. They said these issues are choking the already narrow roads in Srinagar areas.

“In addition to that, smart city buses without designated bus stops also cause traffic jams. We appeal authorities to look into these issues including encroachment of roads by vendors which is adding to traffic jams,” said another local.

Officials from traffic police have been saying that they will put more men on the ground to ensure traffic is streamlined.

"During peak hours there is a huge traffic influx. Now ITMS is in place and traffic management will be much better. Meanwhile, our drives against wrong parking and related traffic violations have intensified and we will ensure these offenses will be curbed accordingly" said an official.