HC asks authorities to decongest city’s traffic mess
Srinagar: The High Court on Monday appreciated the suggestion on decongestion of the city roads by the Senior Superintendent of Police SSP, (Traffic) Srinagar, which recommended that no vehicle shall be allowed to cross the Parimpora Bus Stand point from the north and north-east areas and Pantha Chowk point from the south and south-east areas.
The idea put forth is taken to ensure that the city of Srinagar is decongested of the traffic mess, observed a division bench of the High Court saying “however, it shall be the duty of the Traffic authorities to ensure a smooth entry” of the commuters from the said block points by providing a hassle-free and time-bound transport facility at the stipulated junctions.
Prior to this, the High Court did direct the top administration officials to file compliance with respect to its orders on freeing the city from the existing traffic mess within a limited time.
Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue, the court had directed the respondent authorities to file compliance in respect thereto.
The judges were informed that despite directions passed by the court from time to time, different vehicles like Sumo cabs, mini-buses, etc., are being parked on the roadside at Batamaloo Bus Stand.
Rationalization of routes and bus stops with proper timings of buses, establishment of pollution checking centers and identification of silent zones was pledged to be carried out by the government officers to decongest traffic mess in Srinagar after repeated court directions.
The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir claimed to have conducted an exercise on 20 routes for rationalization of routes, stops, timings and trips. Further work of rationalization is also being worked upon, he told the court.
With regard to segregation of inter-city and intra-city transport, the court has been informed that the Transport Commissioner J&K, convened meetings to draw the attention of the DC Srinagar, Commissioner SMC; SSP Traffic and RTO Kashmir to court directions vide order dated 20.07.2017 in (PIL) No. 458/2003 titled Kashmir Consumer Welfare Forum V/s Commissioner Transport & ors.
For inter-city transport, it was stated that the inter-city transport mainly comprises big buses, with two big bus operators plying buses from Srinagar to districts.
Kashmir Motor Services operates 230 buses from Srinagar to Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, and Ganderbal districts. Western Bus Services operates 475 buses from Srinagar to Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and Budgam towns, an official report said.
