Traffic congestion in Srinagar worsens due to influx of out-of-state vehicles

Despite the clear rules in the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, which state that vehicles from other states must be re-registered after being in a region for over 12 months, many vehicles continue to operate in Srinagar without meeting these legal requirements.
Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act says that any vehicle registered in one state and used in another for more than a year must get a new registration number from the local transport authority. Additionally, under the J&K Motor Vehicles Taxation Act of 1957, such vehicles must also pay road taxes and token fees. However, many vehicles from nearby states, like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, are still being used in Srinagar without following these rules.
The number of vehicles from other states has made Srinagar’s traffic problem worse, as the city struggles to handle the growing number of cars on the roads. Fayaz, a local resident, shared, “The traffic is already a big issue here. With so many out-of-state vehicles on the road, it’s getting worse. The roads are overcrowded, making it harder to move around the city.”
Officials believe the main reason for so many non-local vehicles is their affordability. Many residents buy second-hand cars from neighbouring states because they are cheaper. Frequent business travellers and seasonal visitors also add to the number of out-of-state vehicles on the roads.
Ashfaq Ahmed, a businessman, explained, “Since I travel often between Kashmir and other states for work, these cars are a convenient and affordable option.”
Inam, a resident of Natipora, mentioned the financial and administrative difficulties of re-registering these cars. “These used cars are often in bad condition. Registering them means extra taxes, and selling them later could result in a loss. Plus, the re-registration process is time-consuming and full of paperwork,” he said.
While not re-registering may seem like a cost-effective option for many, it has serious consequences. It leads to significant revenue loss for the region and raises security concerns. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger enforcement to address both financial and safety risks.
A senior official from the Motor Vehicles Department, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Many people initially say they will stay for six or seven months, but they end up using their vehicles for over a year.” This makes it hard for authorities to track vehicle ownership and ensure they are re-registered properly.
The official added that according to the law, any out-of-state vehicle used in the region for over 12 months must be re-registered locally and pay a 9% tax based on the vehicle’s value at the time of registration. Despite these rules, enforcement is weak. “Many vehicle owners avoid this tax by not registering their vehicles at all,” the official noted. “These vehicles can be misused for illegal activities, posing a serious security threat.”
Authorities estimate that over 3,300 out-of-state vehicles are registered in the region, but many still fail to meet legal requirements. Enforcement is difficult due to limited resources and poor tracking systems.
When asked about enforcement efforts, the official referred to the Traffic Department. Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, SSP Traffic Srinagar, said, “We are working on identifying and taking action against such vehicles. This year, we plan to carry out strict enforcement, with regular checks to ensure compliance. Violators will face penalties, and legal action will be taken against those who do not follow the rules.”
He also emphasised that enforcement alone is not enough and called for public awareness and cooperation to ensure traffic laws are followed. “We urge vehicle owners to complete the re-registration process, not just to avoid penalties, but to help create a safer and more organized traffic system in the city,” he added.
As authorities continue to face these challenges, it’s clear that stronger enforcement and a smoother registration process are essential to solving this growing issue. Without these improvements, the city will continue to struggle with legal compliance and increasing pressure on its infrastructure.