CS Reviews Comprehensive Traffic Decongestion Plan for Jammu, Srinagar Cities
Srinagar, May 22 (PTK): Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired the fifth meeting of the Multi Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by senior civil and police officers, including Additional Chief Secretary PWD, Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, IGP Traffic, Secretary Transport, senior police officials and officers from various departments.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations submitted by the committee headed by the Principal Secretary Home and called for a time-bound action plan for effective execution of the proposed measures.
He reviewed the progress on identification and rectification of black spots, widening of major roads, creation of rotaries and improvement of junctions in both Jammu and Srinagar cities.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for identifying clear funding sources for all proposed works and directed the Housing and Urban Development Department Jammu and Kashmir to coordinate with the Finance Department for smooth and timely execution of projects.
Officials informed the meeting that several diversion routes have already been identified and operationalised to reduce congestion in both cities. Ten diversion routes are currently functional in Jammu, while five diversion routes have been made operational in Srinagar to ease traffic pressure on major roads.
The meeting was also informed that dedicated e-rickshaw zones have been established to improve last-mile connectivity and regulate traffic movement. Six e-rickshaw zones have been created in Jammu, while multiple operational and restricted zones have been identified in Srinagar.
Reviewing traffic regulation measures, the Chief Secretary was informed that one-way traffic systems have been introduced at several locations in both cities and additional no-vehicle zones are being planned in crowded commercial and hospital areas.
The meeting also discussed implementation of Smart City Command and Control Response Systems, Intelligent Traffic Management Systems and Automated Traffic Management System junctions.
Officials said Traffic Police and allied departments have procured motorcycles, interceptor vehicles, cranes, body-worn cameras and ambulances to strengthen traffic enforcement and emergency response.
To improve road safety and enforce traffic discipline, action has been initiated against more than 39,000 habitual offenders across Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in suspension and cancellation of driving licences and registration certificates besides seizure and blacklisting of vehicles.
The meeting was informed that several projects in Jammu, including Canal Head–Bohri, Jewel–Canal Head and Satwari–Belicharana road stretches, have already been completed, while several other projects remain under execution. In Srinagar, road widening works, installation of crash barriers and preparation of DPRs for black spots are underway.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress on no-parking zones, IT-based parking systems, on-street parking management, parking policy formulation and creation of vending zones. Officials informed that GIS-based parking mapping is underway in Srinagar, while several parking sites in Jammu have already been tendered and partially operationalised.
Issues related to banquet halls and schools lacking adequate parking facilities were also discussed during the meeting. Municipal Commissioners informed that notices have been issued to non-compliant establishments and parking management plans are being enforced to prevent roadside congestion.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to expedite pending works, remove bottlenecks affecting project execution and ensure visible improvement in traffic flow and commuter convenience in the twin cities at the earliest.(PTK)
