Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jul 11: Srinagar is witnessing a significant surge in vehicular traffic clogging the streets with long queues of vehicles.
Many residents complained about lack of traffic management in Srinagar causing frequent traffic jams on roads. They pointed out Dalgate to Khanyar saying the road faces chronic traffic jams on a daily basis. Similarly, long lines of stranded vehicles are seen on weekends on busy Boulevard road along Dal Lake.
“Despite the introduction of new vehicles by the traffic department, the traffic situation in Srinagar city remains a major concern,” said a commuter.
Furthermore, the stretch from Bypass to Sonwar is always bustling with traffic. A few years ago, authorities had attributed the traffic congestion on the stretch to GB Pant Hospital. But with its relocation to Bemina, residents say the problem is far from over.
On the other hand, the traffic department explained that they monitor and manage traffic flow through several methods.
“We have stationed Traffic police officers at key intersections, CCTV cameras for surveillance and intelligent traffic management systems,” he said.
“These systems help in monitoring traffic conditions, controlling traffic signals, and gathering data for analysis and future planning. Also the increased vehicular traffic presents several challenges. Some of the biggest ones include managing congestion during peak hours, ensuring smooth flow at major junctions, addressing parking issues, and dealing with road infrastructure limitations. These challenges require continuous monitoring, effective coordination, and proactive measures to maintain traffic efficiency,” the official added.
“We are also taking specific measures to ease traffic congestion during peak hours. These measures include implementing traffic signal synchronization, creating dedicated lanes for public transport, promoting carpooling and ridesharing, improving public transportation options, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation such as cycling and walking. With the rise in traffic, there has been an increased focus on improving driver behaviour and adherence to traffic rules. The Traffic Department has been conducting regular awareness campaigns, enforcing stricter penalties for traffic violations, and enhancing traffic education programs. While changes in driver behaviour may take time, efforts are being made to create a safer and more law-abiding traffic culture,” he added
Likewise, there are plans to introduce new traffic management technologies and systems in the city. These may include intelligent traffic signal systems, real-time traffic monitoring and management systems, advanced parking management solutions, and integration of smart transportation technologies. Such initiatives aim to optimize traffic flow, enhance safety, and provide a better commuting experience for residents,” he added.
He added, “Srinagar city is an intersection which witnesses huge traffic movement from peripheral districts, tourists, and local population, and It’s not only a hub of business activity but also a major tourist attraction. Traffic city is continuously striving to improve vehicular movement to ensure a hassle free commute from one place to another.”
“Adaptive Traffic Management was introduced to streamline traffic management. But due to smart city projects and construction of the Grade separator at Bemina and Nowgam, the manual system was again started,” he added.
In addition to ATCS, ITMS is being introduced to make traffic regulation and monitoring automatic and system enabled, the official said.
He also said traffic police Srinagar has installed smart car and speed radar guns to keep close watch on over speeding vehicles and also in order to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Boulevard Road.
“Also the district administration Srinagar has declared Badyari Chowk to Nehru Park segment of Boulevard Road as ‘No Halt Zone’ for vehicles to implement the Decongestion Framework,” he said.
