Chief Secy reviews traffic plan for Jammu, Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired a meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management Systems for Jammu and Srinagar to review the ongoing mobility initiatives and discuss new measures for easing congestion, strengthening road safety and improving urban transport in both cities.

The meeting was attended by senior administrative and police officers, including the ACS PWD; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner/Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir; IGP Traffic; Secretary, Transport; DIGs Traffic; SSPs Traffic for Jammu and Srinagar; Commissioners of the Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations; Vice-Chairpersons of JDA, SDA and LCMA, besides other concerned officials.

During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary emphasised that Jammu and Srinagar—being major urban centres and key destinations for tourists and pilgrims—require swift, coordinated and sustained interventions to enhance commuter experience. He called for timely execution of traffic management plans and directed for the early operationalisation of the Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) and Integrated Traffic Light Systems (ITLS). The Divisional Commissioners were tasked with closely monitoring implementation and resolving bottlenecks in consultation with stakeholders.

The Divisional Commissioners briefed the meeting on the measures undertaken so far, including diversions at critical points, creation of new roundabouts, installation of traffic signals, augmentation of parking facilities, identification of no-parking zones, earmarking of dedicated bus stops, and enforcement of one-way traffic on congested stretches. They informed that dedicated corridors for eastern and western minibuses have been planned, honking zones are being regulated and additional charging points are being established for Smart City electric buses.

Expressing concern over persistent traffic violations—especially those linked to lane discipline—the Chief Secretary called for strict enforcement. He reviewed action taken against 9,204 repeat offenders identified through e-challan data. The Transport Commissioner informed that 600 driving licences had already been suspended and that remaining cases were being examined for action based on the severity of violations.

The IGP Traffic shared initiatives aimed at decongesting city roads, including zoning of e-rickshaws, implementation of one-way restrictions in selected areas and installation of road dividers where required.

The Commissioners of the Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations apprised the meeting of efforts to streamline urban spaces by establishing designated hawker zones, relocating street vendors, rehabilitating them through kiosk allotments and ensuring that commercial establishments create adequate parking spaces.

The Chief Secretary directed all departments to submit detailed, location-specific reports on ground-level progress. Stressing the need for efficient traffic management in high-tourist areas, he said designated parking facilities and the use of small-capacity vehicles should be prioritised to avoid congestion caused by larger buses.

Departments also presented updates on long-term infrastructure upgrades, including elevated corridors, flyovers, multi-level car parks and removal of encroachments obstructing roadways.

Road safety measures were reviewed as well, covering establishment of no-honking and no-parking zones, construction of medians and dividers, closure of unsafe road openings and rectification of black spots in coordination with executing agencies.