SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee on Traffic Management Systems for Jammu and Srinagar, directing formulation of a comprehensive and strategic plan to ease urban traffic congestion and streamline mobility in the twin capital cities.
Stressing the urgency of the matter, the Chief Secretary called for identifying key locations that require immediate road expansion or upgradation to handle growing traffic volumes. “Increasing the carrying capacity of critical roads and speeding up the completion of ongoing development projects is essential to reduce pressure on existing infrastructure,” Dulloo emphasised.
He directed the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to frame area-specific strategies based on local feedback and challenges, which will be integrated into a unified master plan. He also suggested the development of a web portal that outlines actionable points for each department involved to ensure accountability and progress monitoring.
The meeting, attended by top officials including Principal Secretary Home, Commissioner Secretaries of H&UDD and Tourism, Divisional Commissioners, DIGs and SSPs Traffic of both regions, and municipal commissioners, reviewed the current state of traffic management and proposed a slew of forward-looking measures.
The committee underscored the need for scientific traffic studies to formulate alternate routes and improve existing ones, especially in tourist-heavy and pilgrimage areas. It also proposed a functional and technology-driven traffic management system with effective signalling at critical junctions, T-points, and rotaries.
Commercial activities causing traffic disruption, including street vending, will be regulated in consultation with stakeholders, ensuring hawkers are relocated and rehabilitated without affecting livelihoods or traffic flow.
The committee called for exploring one-way traffic movement in congested stretches, the creation of no-traffic zones, and enhanced signage. It also debated expanding e-bus services and public transport options to reduce dependence on personal vehicles, especially during peak hours.
Further, the meeting proposed multi-modal transport solutions including mass rapid transit systems, ring roads, inland water transport (IWT), and the setting up of a Unified Transport Authority. Additional infrastructure like bus lay-byes and more designated parking spaces—both on-street and off-street—was also prioritised.
Addressing safety concerns, the committee pushed for improved road design, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement to curb accidents and fatalities. The overall strategy aims to integrate traffic solutions with broader urban planning, fostering collaboration among Traffic Police, PWD, NHAI, and municipal bodies.
The committee will continue to meet periodically to track the implementation of recommended actions and refine strategies based on real-time data and feedback.
