Experimental traffic changes rolled out in Srinagar to ease peak-hour congestion
Srinagar, April 3
In a bid to tackle rising traffic congestion, the Srinagar Traffic Police have begun implementing experimental traffic management strategies during peak hours across key areas of the city.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, on Thursday, said that officials are conducting daily on-ground assessments to better understand traffic patterns and introduce timely interventions.
"We come here every day and monitor the traffic to gauge what we can do to ensure smooth traffic flow," he said.
Bhat described the approach as an "ongoing experiment," noting that similar measures have been taken in areas like Batamaloo, where turns were alternately closed and reopened based on traffic response.
He emphasised that traffic patterns are not static but fluctuate throughout the day, requiring flexible and adaptive management.
"Traffic doesn't follow a fixed pattern, so without timely and occasional changes, it cannot be managed effectively. It is crucial to understand that traffic is very dynamic. We monitor it closely and implement changes wherever we see potential for improvement," he said.
Addressing public cooperation, the SSP noted that people are increasingly understanding the intent behind such initiatives. "People have become more observant and realise that these efforts are for their benefit. Many people gathered today and called it a good initiative. However, we cannot rely solely on public perception; we must make interventions based on actual traffic behaviour," he noted.
He also appealed to commuters to play their part in easing congestion. "Do not park vehicles on the roads. Use designated parking spaces, and if unavailable, ensure your vehicle does not obstruct traffic," he urged.
Additionally, he called on drivers to follow all traffic rules, maintain proper documentation, and prioritise safety, adding that enforcement actions are only taken in case of violations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but implementation is key. In Batamaloo, they keep changing the rules and it confuses everyone. Better signage and prior announcements are needed before any turn is closed. Public cooperation will come only when the plan is clear to us.
The main issue is illegal parking. No matter what strategy they try, if people double-park or leave cars on main roads, nothing will work. SSP sahab is right to highlight this. We need more traffic wardens to impose fines strictly.
As a frequent visitor to Srinagar, I've seen the congestion firsthand. A dynamic approach is smart, but consistency is also important for tourists who are unfamiliar with the city. Maybe a simple leaflet or digital map of the experimental zones could help?
They should also look at improving public transport frequency during peak hours. Many of us would leave our cars at home if the buses were reliable. Managing traffic isn't just about rules, it's about providing better alternatives. J&K SRTC needs to step up.
Appreciate the effort, but I have a respectful criticism. Sometimes these 'experiments' feel like trial-and-error at the cost of commuters' time. There should be a transparent review period and clear metrics for success before changes are made city-wide. Hope they involve some urban planning experts.
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.