Traffic jams on Karan Nagar-SMHS Hospital stretch irk commuters
Srinagar, Dec 8: A massive traffic jam on Monday brought vehicular movement to a grinding halt on the vital Karanagar–SMHS Hospital stretch and its adjoining link roads, leaving commuters, students, and patients stranded for a long duration.
Commuters said the road, considered a lifeline route connecting several parts of the city with SMHS Hospital, witnessed severe congestion during the peak hours of the day.
They said the situation worsened as ambulances, as well as private vehicles carrying patients, were stuck for a prolonged duration, causing distress among attendants. “I was carrying my father, who had to visit the hospital but we were stuck in traffic jams on the stretch for almost 35 minutes. It was horrifying. Nobody should suffer like that on a road leading to a major hospital inthe city,” said Basit Ahmad, a resident of the Uptown area.
Commuters and office goers described the situation as unbearable, saying that traffic movement barely crawled for several kilometres. “On Mondays, the rush is always more, but today it was unimaginable. Students were late to colleges, office employees could not reach on time, and the entire road was choked with honking vehicles,” said Insha, an office-goer.
Locals blamed unregulated roadside parking, heavy rush of e-rickshaws, buses, cabs, and increasing inter-district movement of traffic for the gridlock. They said that despite being a vital hospital route, the area is not adequately manned during peak hours.
“There are dozens of vehicles parked on the roadside, leaving no space for movement. During rush hours, heavy vehicles also move through the stretch. Authorities must deploy more personnel and remove roadside encroachments,” said Inayat Ahmad, a daily commuter.
The traffic mismanagement on the stretch has repeatedly faced criticism. Greater Kashmir recently did a series of stories highlighting how traffic jams near hospitals pose serious risks during emergencies and must be treated as a priority issue.
A senior traffic department officer said that a drive against wrong parking had recently been launched in the area and strict action would continue. However, locals say that stronger measures and the continued presence of traffic personnel are essential. “This is a vital road. Even a minute’s delay can cost a life. Authorities must take it seriously,” a commuter said.
