Unrelenting Traffic Woes: Clamour grows for redesigning Bandipora’s Gulshan Chowk
Bandipora, Oct 22: Persistent traffic congestion at Bandipora’s historic Gulshan Chowk has reignited calls from residents for a complete redesign of the town’s central junction, which they say has become a daily nightmare for commuters and pedestrians alike.
Located in the heart of Bandipora’s main market, Gulshan Chowk has undergone several changes over the years. However, locals believe these so-called improvements have only “worsened” the traffic mess, and they are now demanding a modern, functional redesign to ease congestion and restore the area’s lost charm.
“Earlier, the Chowk could easily accommodate vehicles, but after the fountain was built, it turned into chaos,” said Bilal Rashid, a local resident. “The park used to be a lively public space for social interactions, but its essence has been lost to concrete structures.”
Once a bustling taxi stand catering to the town’s needs, Gulshan Chowk’s open space has shrunk over time. Despite the relocation of the bus and cab stands, the traffic problem persists. The two large fountains constructed years ago at the Chowk and adjacent Gulshan Park have remained largely defunct, turning into what residents describe as an “eyesore.”
Recently, a local designer’s proposal to redesign Gulshan Chowk—envisioning it as an open plaza that balances public interaction with traffic flow—has gained traction on social media, with many residents supporting the idea of modernising the space.
Adding political weight to the issue, Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat has also shown interest in redeveloping the Chowk.
On Tuesday, he shared details of a “comprehensive beautification project” for Bandipora town. In a letter to the government, supported by a preliminary DPR from the R&B Department Bandipora, Bhat requested Rs 4 crore for the project, which aims to develop markets, pathways, and enhance town aesthetics.
Party sources said the project cost has now been revised to Rs 5 crore, and a detailed plan is expected to be unveiled soon.
However, Executive Engineer R&B Bandipora, Tariq Ahmad Ganaie, said he was unaware of any updated DPR, suggesting that the one being referred to might be an old draft with the Municipal Council, which has jurisdiction over the town area.
On the long-pending bypass road demand, Ganaie said an earlier DPR had pegged the cost at around Rs 100 crore, which would now be double if revived, making it “nearly impossible” to get approval or funding.
Meanwhile, a parking facility at the Chowk remains under construction, offering a faint hope of some short-term relief amid growing frustration over Bandipora’s worsening traffic chaos.
