Srinagar, Nov 18: Commuters faced a tough time on Saturday due to massive traffic jams in various areas of the summer capital.
Traffic jams were witnessed at MA Road, Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Budshah Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Hyderpora, Bypass and its adjacent areas.
Commuters said defunct intelligent traffic lights are one of the major causes of traffic jams. “It is ironic that authorities are yet to make traffic lights functional. Besides, traffic diversions also hit vehicular movement,” said Abdul Hamid, a commuter.
Officials have been saying that the traffic light project will be completed soon for better management of traffic. The system, which is equipped with smart cameras and a state-of-the-art control room, would help streamline the traffic in the city.
“Authorities are delaying the operation of traffic light system. This has become a routine now that we have to commute without traffic lights. It took years for authorities to install a new traffic light system, and now, these are not working. The new Smart Traffic light system was supposed to make the traffic system better, but it has made the issue worse with its non-functioning,” said Zahid Ahmad, a commuter.
“Our precious time gets wasted in these traffic jams which are triggered mostly by diversions and non-functioning of traffic lights at important junctions. Essential services like ambulances also get stranded in traffic jams, which can be detrimental for critical patients,” said Mehraj-ud-Din, a commuter.
Multiple construction projects and dilapidated roads across the city lead to traffic jams. Officials said that heavy traffic flow during peak hours causes traffic jams.