SRINAGAR: Traffic enforcement in Srinagar witnessed marked improvement during 2025, with higher disposal of challans, reduced pendency and increased revenue generation, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic City Ajaz Ahmad Bhat said on Wednesday.
Addressing a year-end press conference, SSP Bhat said the disposal rate of traffic challans rose to 56 per cent in 2025, compared to 30 per cent in the previous year, while revenue collection crossed Rs 1 crore. He added that pendency of traffic cases in courts declined to 44 per cent, a significant reduction from earlier levels.
He said sustained enforcement, better coordination with courts and increased public compliance contributed to the improvement. “Last year, there was widespread concern over nearly five lakh pending cases. This year, we managed to substantially reduce pendency by improving disposal mechanisms,” he said.
SSP Bhat said repeated violators were identified and their details forwarded to the Regional Transport Office and the Transport Commissioner for licence impoundment. He added that linking the clearance of challans with issuance of pollution certificates proved to be an effective compliance measure, as vehicles are now denied pollution certificates until outstanding dues are paid.
Acknowledging that traffic congestion continues to increase in Srinagar, the SSP said enforcement alone cannot ensure smooth traffic movement without adequate infrastructure. “Our staff remains under pressure, but traffic management is not only about challans. Infrastructure development is equally critical,” he said.
He said a multi-disciplinary committee on traffic management is actively working at a high level, and several recommendations made by the traffic department have already been accepted and implemented by the government. “There has been strong cooperation from the government in executing our suggestions,” he added.
SSP Bhat said traffic management in Srinagar follows a three-tier planning approach comprising short-term, medium-term and long-term measures. He explained that short-term steps offer immediate relief, medium-term interventions stabilise traffic within six months, while long-term planning spans up to five years.
Highlighting recent interventions, he said e-rickshaws were banned on MA Road and Residency Road, which received positive public feedback. He said long-neglected Downtown areas were also brought into focus, with the Rajouri Kadal–Gojwara stretch designated as one-way for public transport to ease congestion in Navhatta. Similarly, the Barbar Shah bridge was made one-way due to its narrow width.
He said additional drives were intensified at Chhati Padshahi and Khanyar, resulting in a visible improvement in traffic flow. To address long-pending challans, the department appointed a dedicated investigator to streamline records and speed up disposal.
SSP Bhat stressed that public awareness remains central to traffic management efforts. “Enforcement is supported by education and awareness drives. My officers work hard to maintain a positive and cooperative image with the public,” he said, appreciating the role of the media in highlighting both shortcomings and achievements.
Responding to queries on violations near coaching centres, he said enforcement drives have been intensified in areas such as Paripora and Rajbagh, where many students use two-wheelers without helmets or licences. He also warned that action would continue against coaching institutes and establishments causing traffic obstruction.
Referring to a recent case where a parent was held accountable for his son’s reckless driving, SSP Bhat said such actions should serve as a deterrent. He added that licensing authorities must assess traffic impact before approving institutions that attract large footfall.
“Traffic regulation is a continuous process that requires cooperation from all stakeholders. Constructive criticism and public support motivate us to perform better,” he said. (KNO)
