Srinagar- The traffic situation in downtown Srinagar has worsened in recent weeks, with long snarls becoming a daily ordeal, particularly along the Nowhatta to Khanyar route via the revered Naqshband Sahab shrine.
Commuters and shopkeepers in the area are expressing frustration over the gridlock, which intensifies during Iftar hours, leaving many stranded for long durations.
The stretch, already congested due to narrow roads and heavy commercial activity, sees an immense influx of vehicles during Ramazan, as people rush home to break their fast. The problem is compounded by haphazard parking, encroachments, and a lack of adherence to traffic rules.
“Every evening, this entire road turns into a parking lot. There are bikes, autos, and cars stuck bumper to bumper. During Iftar time, it’s even worse. People park anywhere to buy essentials, making it impossible to move,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar, a local shopkeeper in Nowhatta.
Commuters echo similar sentiments, lamenting the time lost in traffic. “I left my workplace in Lal Chowk at 5:30 PM, thinking I would reach home in Khanyar in 20 minutes. Instead, I was stuck in Nowhatta for half an hour. The road was completely choked,” said Irfan Hussain, a resident of Khanyar.
With ongoing rainfall adding to the chaos, many believe that authorities need to take more stringent measures to ensure smooth vehicular movement. “The rain worsens the situation, and with the absence of traffic personnel at key intersections, people drive recklessly, further delaying traffic,” noted Abdul Qayoom, a driver who plies the route regularly.
Meanwhile, Speaking to Kashmir Observer over phone, SSP Traffic Srinagar, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, acknowledged the growing congestion in the old city, attributing it to multiple factors. “The ever-increasing number of vehicles, lack of parking spaces, and poor traffic sense among some drivers contribute significantly to the problem, particularly in the Nowhatta-Khanyar belt,” he said.
However, Shah assured that efforts were being made to streamline traffic movement. “We are deploying additional personnel to regulate traffic, especially during peak Iftar hours. The recent jams have also been due to rains and the increased movement of people during Ramazan. However, we are trying our level best to regulate the traffic,” he added.
Authorities have urged residents to park responsibly and follow traffic norms to ease congestion, while also hinting at stricter measures to control illegal parking and road encroachments in the coming days.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
