Srinagar, Nov 13: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Srinagar city, Ajaz Ahmad Thursday appealed to citizens to cooperate with traffic authorities by using public transport, shared taxis and avoiding roadside parking to help ease the mounting congestion in the summer capital.
Addressing a press conference at his office, SSP Ajaz Ahmad said traffic pressure in Srinagar has grown sharply in recent weeks as schools and offices now open around the same time, particularly along M.A. Road and Residency Road, the city’s busiest corridors.
The shorter autumn daylight window, he said, has further narrowed the time available to regulate peak-hour movement.
The SSP said that despite the Darbar Move offices shifted to Jammu, traffic complaints have increased.
“Earlier, school timings were 8 AM, but now both schools and offices start at 10 AM. As everyone leaves and returns together, the traffic load converges on key routes,” he said, adding that the situation worsens in the evening when people finish work between 3 and 4 PM.
He said additional personnel are being deployed at critical junctions and appealed for citizen cooperation. “We understand the public’s inconvenience, but people must avoid roadside parking and prefer shared or public transport. Only collective effort can ease the gridlock,” he said.
The SSP also urged citizens to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles. “We are doing our best to ensure convenience for the public. Wherever we observe increased congestion, we deploy additional manpower. However, during winter, people tend to leave home late and return early, and with school timings and examinations overlapping, we understand the difficulties being faced.”
On Rambagh–Natipora stretch, identified as a persistent bottleneck, SSP Ajaz said vehicles are being diverted via Doodhganga to reduce pressure. “We have raised the issue of traffic interception near Rambagh with civil authorities. Once the under-Barzulla Bridge route is completed, it will significantly improve flow in the area,” he added—(KNO)
