Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg has mandated the completion of 72 bus stops under Module-A by October 31, a directive issued during a high-level meeting reviewing traffic congestion mitigation projects in the city. The meeting, convened by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), also saw instructions for the e-bus charging station at Batamaloo to become operational within the next ten days.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the meeting was attended by key officials including the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, the Chief Engineer of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), and Executive Engineers from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department, alongside other relevant officers. The focus was on accelerating progress on various initiatives designed to ease traffic flow and enhance public transportation infrastructure within Srinagar.
Further directives from Divisional Commissioner Garg included a joint inspection by the Superintending Engineer of R&B and the Superintending Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control to assess the development of the Lasjan Bund Road. This indicates a multi-faceted approach to urban infrastructure improvement, addressing not only transportation but also related environmental and structural concerns.
A comprehensive review of ongoing road infrastructure projects was conducted during the session. This included detailed progress reports on the development of the Natipora to Chanapora road, the establishment of a T-junction at the Natipora crossing, the construction of a flyover connecting Shalteng to Parimpora, and the building of a footbridge at the Paediatric Hospital in Bemina. Additionally, the meeting covered the construction of an underpass at Nowgam, the development of a shopping complex at Noorbagh, and the road development along the Doodhganga riverbank, stretching from Barzulla to Sanat Nagar. These projects collectively aim to reshape the city’s traffic network and urban landscape.
The status of various Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) projects was also under scrutiny. This encompassed the identification of ten additional junctions for the installation of Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) cameras, the painting of zebra crossings and stop lines to improve road safety and traffic discipline, the implementation of an IT-based parking system, and the operational readiness of e-bus charging stations located at Zoonimar and Batamaloo. The emphasis on ITMS and smart parking solutions underscores a commitment to leveraging technology for efficient urban management.
An action-taken report was presented by the Roads and Buildings Department, Smart City Projects Limited, Regional Transport Office, and the traffic police, detailing their responses to decisions made in previous meetings. This report served as a crucial benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of past directives and identifying areas requiring renewed attention.
To ensure tangible progress, the Divisional Commissioner established fresh timelines for the concerned departments. Specifically, SSCL and the SSP Traffic were instructed to implement stop-line interventions at identified junctions within a ten-day period. In a move to enhance operational efficiency, the Commissioner of SSCL was directed to hand over the control room to the traffic police. This transfer is intended to bolster the deployment of traffic personnel for more effective monitoring and management of the city’s traffic system.
The directives highlight a concerted effort by the administration to address long-standing issues of traffic congestion and to modernize urban infrastructure in Srinagar. The strict deadlines set for the completion of bus stops and the operationalization of charging stations signal a push for immediate improvements in public transport services. The integration of technology through ITMS cameras and smart parking systems, alongside physical infrastructure development, points towards a holistic strategy for transforming Srinagar into a more efficient and livable smart city. The proactive engagement of various departments and the clear allocation of responsibilities are critical components of this ambitious urban development agenda.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.