| Decongesting cities, crucial step | | | Chairing 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, Chief Secretary Atal Duloo 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.
He emphasized on the need to decongest both the capital cities of J&K UT and called on the officers to ensure that commuters don’t face any problems on the roads and streets.
The summer and winter capitals of J&K have witnessed a steady increase in population and vehicle density over the years. Roads that were designed decades ago are now under tremendous pressure, while commercial activity has intensified manifold. Encroachments, unauthorized parking, bottlenecks at major intersections, and inadequate public transport facilities have compounded the problem. The result is daily chaos on roads, wastage of valuable time, increased fuel consumption, environmental degradation, and heightened commuter stress.
The Chief Secretary’s emphasis on decongesting major traffic corridors and ensuring that commuters do not face problems on roads and streets sends a strong message to all departments that public convenience must remain the central objective. The multi-disciplinary nature of the committee is particularly important, as traffic challenges cannot be solved by one department alone. Coordination between traffic police, urban development authorities, municipal bodies, transport departments, public works agencies, and smart city projects is essential for effective implementation.
The augmentation of parking facilities deserves immediate priority. Illegal roadside parking remains one of the biggest contributors to congestion in busy market areas and commercial zones. Multi-level parking complexes, designated parking zones, and strict enforcement against violators can significantly improve traffic flow.
Equally vital is the streamlining of public transport. A robust, punctual, and accessible public transport network can reduce dependence on private vehicles. Modern buses, rationalized routes, integrated scheduling, and better last-mile connectivity must become the norm in both cities. Citizens will embrace public transport only if it is convenient, safe, and efficient. The strengthening of intelligent traffic management systems marks a progressive step. Smart traffic signals, CCTV-based monitoring, real-time traffic updates, and data-driven traffic planning can help optimize movement and improve enforcement. Technology, when effectively deployed, can transform urban mobility.
Decongesting these cities is not just an administrative necessity; it is a crucial step towards building modern, livable urban centres for Jammu and Kashmir’s future. |
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