Make commuting convenient

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is rapidly evolving into a bustling urban centre. But with this growth comes a pressing concern i.e. worsening traffic congestion. With the number of registered vehicles rising steadily and road infrastructure struggling to keep pace, commuting in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley has become increasingly difficult, frustrating and time-consuming. The city’s narrow roads, limited parking spaces, and unregulated traffic flow have turned daily commutes into a stressful ordeal. From school children and office-goers to emergency vehicles, everyone is affected. What was once a 15-minute journey can now take upwards of an hour during peak hours. The situation demands immediate and multi-pronged intervention. Firstly, there is a clear need to expand and modernize the road network. Widening key roads, creating bypasses, and completing pending infrastructure projects must be prioritized. Secondly, promoting public transport is essential. Thirdly, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, organized parking zones, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are long overdue. Most importantly, urban mobility planning must look beyond Srinagar to include growing towns across the Valley, where similar challenges are emerging. A city’s efficiency is reflected in how smoothly its people can move. If immediate steps are not taken, traffic congestion will not only impact the quality of life but also hinder tourism, commerce, and emergency services. It’s time to put the brakes on inaction and drive forward with sustainable mobility solutions. The people across the Valley, especially in Srinagar where a huge flow of traffic is being witnessed on the regular basis, deserve more stringent measures to curb the hurdles that deprive the commuters from ensuring hassle-free commuting.