Massive Traffic in Srinagar City, leaving people to face hardships.

Srinagar, As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, the streets of Srinagar are witnessing massive traffic jams these days, particularly in the afternoon hours up to Iftari time.

According to News Service, Associated News Service, ANB, The increasing congestion has left commuters frustrated, with many unable to reach their destinations on time.

Some residents even report having to break their fast while stuck in traffic, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The traffic snarls, which have become a daily ordeal, are impacting every section of society—office-goers, students, traders, and even emergency service providers.

As the day progresses, the traffic situation in Srinagar worsens, with the most chaotic period being the late afternoon hours until Iftar.

Areas such as Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Batamaloo, and downtown witness long queues of vehicles, moving at a snail’s pace.

Many Srinagar residents while sharing their ordeal with Associated News Bureau say “We leave for home early, hoping to make it in time for Iftar, but we end up being stuck in traffic for hours. Many times, we have had to break our fast on the road,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Rajbagh.

Another commuter, Humaira Khan, a schoolteacher, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s exhausting. By the time I reach home, I am drained. The authorities need to come up with a proper plan to manage this mess,” she said.

The traffic police are doing their best to regulate the movement of vehicles, but the shortage of manpower makes their job challenging. With thousands of vehicles hitting the roads at the same time, controlling the chaos becomes an uphill task.

The official also pointed out that many motorists do not follow traffic rules, further worsening the situation.

“Haphazard driving, unnecessary honking, and wrong-side driving add to the chaos. People need to cooperate as well,” Officials told ANB.

While traffic congestion is primarily due to the increasing number of vehicles on the roads, other factors exacerbate the problem. Illegal roadside parking has become a major issue, with vehicles occupying already narrow roads, leading to bottlenecks.

“People park their cars wherever they find space, without thinking about the obstruction they cause.

Some even double park, making it impossible for traffic to move smoothly,” said Faisal Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Nowhatta Srinagar.

Additionally, street vendors occupying footpaths and encroaching onto roads further contribute to the problem.

In areas like Batamaloo and Hari Singh High Street, vendors set up their stalls on the roadside, leaving little space for pedestrians and vehicles.

The administration should designate specific areas for vendors so that roads remain clear,” suggested Nisar Hussain, a local businessman.

Suggestions include deploying additional traffic personnel, implementing strict regulations on roadside parking, and relocating street vendors to designated areas.

With Ramadan continuing and the Eid shopping season approaching, traffic congestion is expected to worsen in the coming days. ANB