Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 27: The ongoing drainage work on the Parimpora stretch, connecting traffic movement from north and central Kashmir with Srinagar is causing chronic traffic jams during the peak hours, affecting the vehicular traffic movement including ambulances, said locals of the area.
Locals as well as commuters expressed their concerns. They said due to the ongoing drainage work in the area by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the movement of traffic is getting hugely affected during the peak hours.
“Since the start of this drainage work, traffic jams have become a norm. Sometimes these are so severe that locals have to volunteer to regulate the traffic movement,” said a resident, adding, “Not only the vehicles but the movement of ambulances is also getting affected.”
A local shopkeeper said the stretch serves as a gateway to Srinagar, with major hospitals in the valley, including SMHS, SKIMS Soura, and Bone and Joint, relying on this route. The slow progress of the ongoing work is causing significant issues not only for traffic movement but also for local businesses, he said.
The residents expressed concern over the sluggish pace of drainage and roadwork, saying that dug-up roads and uncovered main holes contribute to the vehicular movement challenges.
A top SMC official said the work on the project is underway and they have directed the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and the contractor to expedite the work on a fast-track basis to minimize disruption to public and ambulance movements in the area.
“Whenever there is a work of this nature involving drainage work on the main road, there may be temporary disruptions in the traffic movement, but the concerned have been directed to expedite the work so that the public does not face any inconvenience. I will also make a personal visit to the site to check the progress of the work,” the official assured.
