Smart planning imperative

The recent inauguration of new bridges and roads in Srinagar is undeniably a welcome step. Improved infrastructure not only enhances connectivity but also fuels economic activity, reduces travel time and contributes to the overall development of the region. For a city that serves as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and a major tourist hub, these upgrades are long overdue. Yet, even as new roads are being built, the city’s old arteries remain clogged and strained under the weight of growing traffic. Everyday commuters in Srinagar know too well the ordeal of moving through bottlenecks at Jehangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, Dalgate and Nowhatta. The narrow lanes of the old city, encroachments along major roads, and a lack of organized parking spaces have turned short commutes into exhausting journeys. Public transport remains poorly regulated, while the surge in private vehicles has outpaced the city’s capacity to handle them. Infrastructure expansion must go hand in hand with traffic management and urban planning. Simply adding more roads will not solve congestion unless the city also addresses its core issues, unplanned construction, haphazard parking, and inadequate public transport. Srinagar urgently needs a comprehensive mobility plan that encourages use of public transit, designates pedestrian zones, and develops satellite parking facilities. The government’s efforts to modernize Srinagar’s road network deserve appreciation, but what citizens need most is ease of movement and cleaner air, not just new bridges. A balance between development and decongestion will ensure that Srinagar grows sustainably as a city that is both accessible and liveable for its residents and welcoming for visitors.