Traffic jams in peak hours irk commuters in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 11: Amid the opening of schools last week, the traffic influx in Srinagar has increased manifold, leading to frequent traffic jams.

The commuters said that during peak morning and evening hours most of the Srinagar areas, including the city centre, are crippled with traffic jams.

The commuters said due to traffic jams, they face hardships in reaching their respective destinations before iftar. They said that the opening of schools has also added scores of school buses, two-wheelers, and other private vehicles to the already congested roads, which has added to traffic jams.

“Around Iftar and during the closure of schools and offices, it is hectic to navigate the roads. All the major junctions are full of traffic, and the traffic jams are usually long, which ends up wasting our time,” said Abrar Ahmad, a commuter.

Greater Kashmir received complaints of massive traffic jams in various Downtown and adjoining areas like Barbarshah, Khanyar, Bohri Kadal, Rajori Kadal, Gojwara, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Hawal, Kawdara, Safakadal and other areas. The commuters from Downtown said that amid the absence of traffic cops in this area, the traffic management is badly affected. The commuters also said that the defunct traffic lights at various junctions add to chaos.

“There are no traffic cops available at several important junctions. The problem gets worse due to the absence of a functional traffic light system. We appeal to authorities to address these issues so that commuters can have a sigh of relief,” said another commuter.

The commuters also blamed the roadside parking and encroachment of roads by vendors for the traffic jams. They said authorities should tighten the noose around the encroachments so that smooth flow of traffic is ensured.

A senior official from Traffic police said that they have been expecting more traffic influx given the opening of schools and they will ensure to put more men on important junctions to manage the traffic.

“There is also a major rush in the evening as most of the commuters want to reach home for Iftar.  That is why we see relatively more traffic rush during that time. We have put our men to manage traffic, and we will see the ease in coming days, and as Ramadan ends, there will be major respite during evening hours,” said the official.