39,000 traffic offenders face action as J&K unveils major decongestion plan

Srinagar, May 22: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has initiated action against more than 39,000 habitual traffic violators as part of an aggressive traffic management and decongestion strategy being rolled out across Srinagar and Jammu cities.

The crackdown, which includes suspension and cancellation of driving licences and registration certificates besides seizure and blacklisting of vehicles, figured prominently during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of a comprehensive traffic decongestion plan for the twin capitals amid growing concerns over worsening congestion, unregulated parking and increasing vehicular pressure on urban roads.

Officials informed the meeting that several diversion routes have already been made operational to ease pressure on major traffic corridors. Jammu city now has 10 diversion routes, while five such routes have been activated in Srinagar.

The administration is also pushing for smart traffic regulation measures, including Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS) junctions and Smart City Command and Control Response Systems.

Authorities said one-way traffic systems have already been introduced at several key locations, while proposals for additional no-vehicle zones in congested commercial and hospital areas are under implementation after stakeholder consultations.

In a bid to improve last-mile connectivity and regulate movement, dedicated e-rickshaw zones have also been identified in both cities. Six such zones have been established in Jammu, while multiple operational and restricted zones are being implemented in Srinagar.

The meeting further reviewed progress on widening of roads, identification of black spots, creation of rotaries, parking reforms and development of vending zones. Officials said GIS-based parking mapping is underway in Srinagar, while several parking facilities in Jammu have already been tendered and partially operationalised.

The administration has also turned its focus towards institutions contributing to roadside congestion. Municipal authorities informed the meeting that notices have been issued to banquet halls and schools lacking adequate parking facilities.

Chief Secretary Dulloo directed departments to expedite pending projects and ensure visible improvement in commuter convenience and traffic flow at the earliest.