The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Traffic movement across parts of Downtown Srinagar has undergone significant changes over the past year following the introduction of one-way systems, junction modifications, enforcement measures and restrictions on certain categories of vehicles.

The changes have been particularly visible along congested stretches of Shehr-e-Khas, where narrow roads, heavy pedestrian movement, commercial activity and roadside obstructions have long contributed to traffic bottlenecks.

The traffic arrangements have been implemented under the supervision of SSP Traffic City Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, with DySP Traffic Mehboob-ul-Haq involved in their implementation and ground-level management.

The Rajouri Kadal-Gojwara stretch was placed under one-way movement for public transport, while traffic over the narrow Barbar Shah bridge was also regulated on a one-way basis.

Authorities have additionally introduced barricading and junction modifications at identified choke points, including Chhati Padshahi and Khanyar.

Restrictions on e-rickshaw movement along MA Road and Residency Road have also formed part of the traffic-management plan, aimed at reducing mixed traffic on already congested corridors.

Enforcement has been stepped up as well. Traffic records cited in the assessment show that challan disposal increased from 30% in 2024 to 56% in 2025, while efforts were intensified to remove road obstructions and prevent vehicles from occupying pedestrian pathways.

The Downtown measures have also been accompanied by road-related works, including resurfacing, drainage improvements and junction modifications, with coordination between the Traffic Department and civil administration.

The measures, however, have not eliminated the wider traffic pressures facing Srinagar. Increasing vehicle numbers, limited road width, roadside commercial activity, parking shortages and heavy pedestrian movement continue to put pressure on the city’s road network.

The Downtown experience has nevertheless provided traffic authorities with an opportunity to assess whether localised interventions, particularly one-way systems and targeted enforcement, can be extended to other congested corridors.

The Traffic Department has been considering similar arrangements for other interior routes, including parts of Lal Chowk, Batamaloo and Safa Kadal-Cement Kadal, while consultations with traders and transport operators remain important before restrictions are extended to additional areas.

Meanwhile, the Traders Association Central Lal Chowk has opposed the proposed relocation of the Civil Secretariat and 20 other major administrative and security offices from central Srinagar, warning that the move could have a significant impact on businesses operating in the city’s commercial core.

Association president Feroz Ahmad Baba said the concentration of government institutions in and around central Srinagar had for decades supported a wider commercial ecosystem, with traders, restaurants, retailers and transport operators benefiting from the daily movement of employees and visitors.

The association maintained that removing these establishments would reduce the regular footfall on which many businesses depend and could weaken economic activity in the Lal Chowk area.

Baba said the issue should not be viewed only through the lens of traffic congestion, arguing that Lal Chowk’s commercial importance and its historical role as the centre of Srinagar should also be considered while reviewing the proposal.

The traders said traffic management was necessary but argued that congestion could be addressed through measures such as improved traffic regulation, multi-level parking facilities and stronger public transport rather than relocating the administrative core.

The association has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other concerned authorities to review the proposal in the context of the Master Plan-2035 and hold consultations with traders and other stakeholders before taking a final decision.

It said broader consultation was necessary to balance the need to decongest central Srinagar with the economic interests and livelihoods associated with the city’s traditional commercial centre.

SRINAGAR — The political face-off between the National Conference (NC) and BJP on Wednesday disrupted movement across large parts of Srinagar, with commuters and pedestrians facing traffic jams, roadblocks and restrictions as security forces moved to contain rival protest marches.

The disruption was particularly felt in Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Ikhraj Pora, Iqbal Park and Hari Singh High Street, affecting movement through residential, commercial and connecting routes in the city.

The National Conference had assembled at Raj Bagh before marching towards the BJP headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP gathered in the Lal Chowk area for its planned march towards the Civil Secretariat.

Police stopped the NC protesters from proceeding towards Jawahar Nagar, while the BJP march was also halted on its route towards the Civil Secretariat.

Roads leading towards the BJP headquarters were sealed, while entry points around Ghanta Ghar were restricted to vehicles. Traffic was diverted onto adjoining routes, adding to congestion in surrounding areas.

Police and security forces were deployed in large numbers in Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh and other key locations.

The restrictions also affected pedestrians, with movement along several stretches becoming difficult as barricades, security deployments and protest gatherings occupied road space.

For residents, office-goers, traders, patients and other commuters, the political confrontation resulted in delays and difficulties in reaching their destinations.

The disruption came as both parties took their political differences to the streets. The NC was demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, while the BJP was targeting the Omar Abdullah-led government over issues including employment and governance.

The competing protest programmes turned several normally busy civilian routes into security-controlled stretches, with commuters facing diversions and congestion as police sought to prevent the two groups from converging.

SRINAGAR — MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir continued their protest for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding revision of their monthly internship stipend to ₹30,000.

The interns held peaceful demonstrations at medical institutions across the Union Territory, reiterating their demand for a substantial revision in the stipend and implementation of the pending proposal.

The protest continued despite Health Minister Sakina Itoo stating that the interns’ demand was genuine and that a proposal for an increase had already been processed and forwarded to the Finance Department for examination of its financial implications.

The protesting interns, however, said repeated assurances had failed to result in a concrete decision and maintained that they would continue their agitation until the stipend was actually revised.

The interns argued that the existing stipend does not adequately reflect the workload, responsibilities and clinical services they perform during their internship.

On the second day of the protest, interns carried placards and raised slogans in support of their demand, while urging the government to take a time-bound decision on the pending revision.

The interns also maintained that their agitation was not directed against patients or healthcare services, but was aimed at seeking what they described as a fair and dignified stipend for the work performed during their internship.