Srinagar, 25 December (H.S.): Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad, today said that traffic congestion in the city will not ease unless people shift towards public transport and adopt disciplined driving behaviour.
Speaking to reporters, the SSP Traffic said strict enforcement drives are underway across all sectors of the city and warned that violators will not be spared.
“People have to change their attitude. vehicles will be allowed on roads only if they operate with discipline and have complete documentation,” he said.
He pointed out widespread non-compliance among motorists, including the absence of valid fitness certificates, pollution under control (PUC) certificates, non-transfer of registration certificates (RCs), and vehicles plying despite having exceeded their permissible lifespan. “Such vehicles will face strict action,” he added.
Reiterating the need for a modal shift, the SSP Traffic said traffic jams would persist unless people increasingly rely on public transport.
“Even walking short distances should not be an issue,” he said, adding that e-rickshaws will be ensured for commuters travelling from the termination point at Iqbal Park to Jehangir Chowk.
He said vehicles entering Srinagar from outside districts are not permitted beyond designated termination points. “If termination points have been fixed, commuters must disembark there and not proceed further,” he said.
Referring to congestion around Iqbal Park and Jehangir Chowk, the SSP said Sumo vehicles from Budgam were creating disorder by entering restricted stretches.
“Vehicles coming from Budgam must deboard passengers near Iqbal Park and not proceed further,” he said, adding that corrective measures are also being taken for mini-buses to ease traffic between Bakshi Stadium and Jehangir Chowk.
He also highlighted wrong parking as a major contributor to congestion, saying it severely hampers the smooth flow of traffic. “Our objective is to decongest Srinagar,” he said.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
