Relief for commuters as traffic rerouting eases congestion at Natipora junction

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 17: The recent administrative decision to reroute traffic along the Barzulla-Rambagh bund has brought relief to daily commuters, putting an end to persistent traffic snarls at the Natipora junction on the Rambagh-Natipora road in Srinagar, especially during peak hours.
In a strategic move, authorities redirected traffic to the newly constructed alternate bund road last week, effectively reducing congestion and preventing the piling up of vehicles. Commuters expressed their gratitude for the positive impact of the decision, emphasizing the improvement in mobility.
“We have been enduring long journey times and frequent traffic jams. It is a good move that has reduced the amount of traffic because we struggled at the gridlock for hours” Shuaib Ahmad, a resident, said.
Despite the positive transformations, some commuters stress the need for effective road development to enhance the overall commuting experience. “It is a very helpful and wise decision, but they should have made the road smooth first, and then vehicular traffic should have been allowed. Everything is a mess, and it is very congested. It does not look like a road,” Saleem, a local shopkeeper, said.
Addressing concerns about road development, Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Commissioner, Owaise Ahmad, explained that the construction of a parallel Bund Road had been a long-standing demand to tackle recurring traffic jams at the Natipora junction.
“The administration has been on it for a long time and has inspected the ongoing works of development of walkways and cycle tracks on the left bank of the Barzulla Canal,” he said.
In response to questions about the road’s proper development, Ahmad acknowledged the challenges posed by the cold weather. “Because of the freezing temperatures, road blacktopping cannot occur. As the temperature improves, the process will begin,” he said, adding that the authorities are committed to comprehensive road improvement for a smooth and efficient transportation system for the community.