Road widening pivotal

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an increase in the vehicle population for the last eight years with the figures revealing that the number has gone up from just 13 lakh in 2026 to 25 lakh in 2024. The surge in the number of vehicles across Jammu and Kashmir has undoubtedly ended up in the chaotic roads as majority of the roads, especially in Srinagar have not been widened for the last several decades. According to the data, the region has seen a significant rise in both public and private transport. In 2016, there were 13,65,552 registered vehicles, a number that surged to 25,67,000 by the end of March 2024- a drastic surge of more than 12 lakh vehicles. The data highlights a consistent increase in vehicle registrations and related administrative activities over the years. In 2020-21, the department registered 93,366 commercial and 1,12,468 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,31,644. By 2021-22, these numbers rose to 18,491 commercial and 1,17,686 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,37,177. The trend continued in 2022-23 with 28,657 commercial and 1,36,298 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,57,792. By 2023-24, the numbers reached 36,282 commercial and 1,28,095 non-commercial vehicles, totaling 1,62,378. The vehicle population has been increasing with each passing year, but one needs to understand that the simultaneous congestion on the roads cannot be tackled without going for a massive road widening process. Therefore, the concerned departments should take immediate measures and ensure that the congested roads in Srinagar and elsewhere are widened so that the increasing flow of vehicles is accommodated and the people would not face any hardships as well.