Srinagar, Oct 09: With Srinagar facing persistent traffic congestion, the Traffic Police, Kashmir, have stressed the need for infrastructure expansion, more parking spaces and greater adherence to traffic rules to ease pressure on the city’s road network.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic, Kashmir, Haseeb-ur-Rehman said the regular movement of people from different district headquarters to Srinagar was contributing to the high traffic volume in the city.
“However, on Fridays, the traffic moves smoothly. But we cannot stop people from visiting Srinagar. Thus, there is a need to upgrade the infrastructure,” the DIG told Rising Kashmir.
The DIG said the government had recently announced infrastructure projects, including flyovers from Dalgate to Pandach and Batamaloo to HMT Crossing, which he said would help reduce the burden on existing roads.
He also said two more flyovers were being constructed along the highway and expressed hope that such infrastructure development would ease traffic congestion.
“Such infrastructure development will ease out the traffic,” he said.
Rehma called for creating more parking spaces in Srinagar, saying the availability of adequate parking infrastructure was important for managing traffic in the city.
On enforcement, he said the recently introduced e-challaning system had created a deterrent against traffic violations.
“Society has a vital role in creating traffic discipline. If people follow the rules, the traffic situation will improve,” he said.
The DIG also highlighted road safety concerns, saying rash and negligent driving and over-speeding remained the major causes of accidents in Srinagar city and adjoining areas.
“In some cases, the younger generation has been found in an intoxicated condition, which led to accidents. But in peripheral areas, a small mistake by the driver, such as using mobile phones while driving or over-speeding, can end up in an accident,” he said.
He added that, overall, rash and negligent driving remained the main cause of road accidents.
