Boulevard road can’t wait

Srinagar’s Boulevard Road is more than just a scenic stretch overlooking Dal Lake. It is a vital urban artery that connects thousands of residents with some of Kashmir’s most visited tourist destinations. Yet, despite the foundation stone for its much-publicised four-laning project being laid months ago, the road remains choked with traffic, exposing a widening gap between promises and implementation. The daily gridlock along the Boulevard-Harwan corridor has become a serious concern. What was once considered a seasonal problem linked to the Tulip Garden rush has now evolved into a year-round challenge. Tourist vehicles, sightseeing buses, roadside parking and an ever-growing volume of traffic have pushed the existing road beyond its capacity. The result is frustration for commuters, losses for businesses and inconvenience for visitors. More worrying is the impact on emergency services. When ambulances and vehicles carrying patients struggle to navigate through traffic jams, the issue ceases to be merely about convenience. It becomes a matter of public safety. Residents of Brein, Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan, Ishber and adjoining areas are justified in demanding urgent intervention. The authorities have cited procedural formalities and compensation-related issues as reasons for the delay. While such processes are important, they cannot become an excuse for indefinite inaction. Infrastructure projects, especially those linked to public mobility and tourism, require timely execution and continuous monitoring. The four-laning of Boulevard Road is not a luxury project. It is a necessity for a city that is witnessing increasing tourist arrivals and rapid urban expansion. Delays only add to congestion and raise future costs. At this juncture, the government must expedite all pending formalities and ensure that work begins without further delay. Boulevard Road simply cannot wait any longer.