Srinagar, Nov 29: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday reviewed the city’s traffic management measures and laid out a comprehensive plan for improved urban mobility.
According to the details, the Divisional Commissioner visited over five key traffic hotspots across Srinagar city to seek feedback on ensuring practical, commuter-friendly solutions under the Smart City project to tackle persistent traffic congestion.
“Our focus is on collective planning to make traffic movement smoother, efficient and better organized,” Divisional Commissioner Garg said.
He said, “A multidisciplinary committee has been constituted to formulate an integrated traffic strategy, bringing together key departments including Srinagar Smart City Ltd, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Srinagar Development Authority, Police, SSP Traffic, R&B, Transport Department, and other stakeholder agencies.”
The Divisional Commissioner stressed on the need for community participation. “It is not just about infrastructure but involvement of local residents, street vendors, shopkeepers, business associations and transporters to ensure that the plan works effectively on the ground,” he added.
The Divisional Commissioner also highlighted several ongoing initiatives under the Srinagar Smart City project, including the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), installation of modern traffic lights, creation of organized parking spaces, development of multi-level parking facilities and improvement of road junctions and rotaries for smoother vehicular flow.
He also shared, nearly 350 designated bus stops have been finalized across the city to regulate public transport and reduce roadside chaos. “Buses will soon be required to halt only at these specific points, improving discipline and easing congestion,” Div Com Garg said.
The Divisional Commissioner inspected critical junctions including Jahangir Chowk, Sangarmal, Rajouri Kadal and Jama Masjid Nowhatta.
He also issued on-the-spot directions for corrective measures and infrastructure modifications, including: Jehangir Chowk road realignment to streamline traffic near Rambagh Flyover and optimum utilization of space under the flyover for vehicular movement.
Exchange Junction, MA Road development of a roundabout and closure of unnecessary median cuts. Sangarmal Junction road widening and improvements to bus stop aesthetics and durability. Rajouri Kadal deployment of traffic personnel and streamlining of crossroad traffic.
About the, Jama Masjid Nowhatta, the feasibility assessment for development of a parking facility in coordination with stakeholders.
The instructions issued by the Divisional Commissioner included the completion of traffic light installation at all junctions by December 10, full functionality of ITMS cameras by December 30 and implementation of colour-coded vehicle zoning for eastern and western corridors to ensure mini buses operate within permitted routes. E-bus charging stations at Zoonimar, Hazratbal and Batamaloo are also slated for early completion.
The Divisional Commissioner also directed PWD officials to remove road bottlenecks and initiate rehabilitation of shopkeepers and families affected by land acquisition for road widening projects.
RTO Kashmir was also asked to identify and regulate illegally operating maxi-cab stands, while black spots and unsafe median cuts across the city will be addressed in consultation with stakeholders.
“Srinagar’s growing traffic load requires both immediate interventions and long-term planning. We are working towards a coordinated, data-driven approach that not only decongests the city but also makes it more commuter-friendly and sustainable,” he said—(KNO)
