SRINAGAR: Despite finalizing all measures to decongest Srinagar city, authorities are yet to start the process to shift General Bus Stand Batamaloo to Parimpora.
Shifting of the bus stand is aimed to streamline vehicular movement at Batamaloo and its adjoining areas which witnesses frequent traffic jams. It also envisages providing better transport facilities to the people in northern parts of Kashmirs Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts.
Presence of the Bus Stand hampers vehicular movement in the congested area. The problem is compounded by dozens of motor mechanic shops and hundreds of vendors who have occupied a large chunk of land near the Bus Stand.
The decision to shift the Batamaloo General Bus Stand terminal was taken on July 1, 2015 in a meeting of officers chaired by the then Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Samoon. The Srinagar Development Authority has already acquired 100 kanals of land at transport yard Parimpora for the bus stand.
The Divisional Commissioner had directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other departments to take immediate steps for construction of the new Bus terminal at Parimpora so that it becomes functional at the earliest. Sources said the concerned departments have failed to implement the directives.
On September 8, the then Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed had taken serious note of congestion in the summer capital due to heavy vehicular movement on its south and north corridors. He had issued instruction for development of Bus Terminal at Shalteng saying it will go a long way in streamlining vehicular traffic from Baramulla and Kupwara districts.
The officials had later decided to stick to earlier decision of constructing the bus terminal at Parimpora instead of Shalteng saying it will ensure smooth vehicular movement of Srinagar-Baramulla highway.
However, despite passing of over more than one year now, there is no headway in the plan.
On May 27, 2016, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Asiea Naqash had said that shifting of General Bus Stand Batamaloo to Parimpora Truck Terminal on city outskirts will decongest the commercial hub.
Despite repeated attempts Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority didnt respond to calls for his comments. (KNS)
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