Residents in Shopian seek road divider to ease congestion

Shopian, Apr 29: Residents and commuters in south Kashmir’s Shopian district called for the construction of a concrete road divider in the town, citing persistent traffic congestion that they say is affecting access to healthcare facilities.

The demand centres around the busy Bongam–Hospital road, where residents say bumper-to-bumper traffic has become a daily occurrence, causing delays and distress, particularly for patients and their attendants. “Due to the worst traffic jams, attendants are left with no choice but to carry their patients on their backs,” said Mitha Gatoo, a social activist. He added that the absence of proper traffic regulation near the hospital often leads to chaotic scenes, especially during peak hours.

Residents said that while authorities had earlier attempted to manage traffic by placing cones along the middle of the road, the measure proved ineffective. “The cones did not solve the problem. Vehicles still move in a disorderly manner, and congestion remains the same,” Gatoo said, urging officials to consider a permanent solution such as a concrete divider.

Commuters echoed similar concerns, saying the lack of lane discipline and directional flow has worsened the situation. “Commuters drive in the same direction without any regulation, which causes frequent jams,” said Ashiq Hussain, a local commuter. “A divider will help streamline traffic coming from opposite sides and reduce confusion on the road.” Ashiq said he often has to take longer alternative routes to avoid the congestion, adding to travel time and fuel costs. The Bongam–Hospital stretch is one of the busiest routes in the town, connecting several residential areas to the district hospital. Residents said the problem becomes more acute during emergencies, when ambulances and private vehicles struggle to pass through the clogged road. Locals have urged the district administration to intervene and prioritise the construction of a divider, along with improved traffic management measures, to ensure smoother movement and timely access to medical care.