Srinagar, 22 May (H.S.): Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired the 5th meeting of the Multi Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review the implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

The Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of the recommendations put forth by the committee headed by the Principal Secretary, Home, and called for a time-bound action plan for their effective implementation.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress on identification and rectification of black spots, widening of major roads, creation of rotaries and junction improvements in both cities.

He stressed the need for clearly identifying funding sources for all the proposed works, noting that these interventions are aimed at providing much-needed relief to the general public by improving ease of mobility in the twin cities and other urban centres of the UT. He directed the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to take up the matter with the Finance Department to ensure smooth and timely execution of these projects across Jammu and Kashmir.

During the review, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the measures undertaken by different departments for decongestion of major traffic corridors, augmentation of parking facilities, improvement of road infrastructure, streamlining of public transport and strengthening of intelligent traffic management systems in both the capital cities.

It was informed that several diversion routes have already been identified and operationalised in Jammu and Srinagar to reduce congestion on critical stretches and ensure smoother vehicular movement. In Jammu city, 10 diversion routes are being utilized for traffic decongestion. Similarly, five diversion routes have been made operational in Srinagar to reduce pressure on heavily congested city stretches.

The meeting was informed that dedicated e-rickshaw zones have also been notified to regulate traffic movement and improve last-mile connectivity. Six e-rickshaw zones have been established in Jammu while multiple operational, free and restricted zones have been identified in Srinagar city with some already implemented and others under consideration in consultation with stakeholders.

Reviewing traffic regulation measures, the Chief Secretary was apprised that one-way traffic systems have been introduced at several key locations in both cities, while proposals for additional no-vehicle zones in crowded commercial and hospital areas are under implementation after consultations with stakeholders and local authorities.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar