Srinagar, March 18: Amid mounting concerns over severe traffic congestion in the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Paul Singh, Wednesday conducted an extensive review of the traffic management system in the area and directed a slew of measures to streamline the traffic snarls.
His visit followed multiple complaints from commuters, tourists and transporters regarding frequent gridlocks, exacerbated by the ongoing tourist season and increased vehicle movement in the area.
Accompanied by DySP Traffic Rural Ganderbal and Bandipora, Gulzar Ahmad and Sonamarg SI, Reyaz Ahmad, Singh assessed the situation on the ground and issued immediate directives to improve vehicular movement. One of the key measures introduced was rerouting return-bound traffic towards Srinagar via a designated bypass to ease congestion in the main town.
“Sonamarg experiences a significant influx of tourists, particularly during peak travel seasons. We are implementing necessary steps to ensure smooth traffic flow so that visitors, locals, and business owners do not face undue inconvenience,” SSP Singh said. He added that traffic personnel had been instructed to remain vigilant and take swift action to prevent unnecessary bottlenecks.
The inspection also covered various parts of Ganderbal, where the traffic police conducted enforcement drives to curb violations. Several vehicles were checked for adherence to traffic norms, with a special focus on school transport. Singh stressed that private schools had been strictly advised to comply with road safety regulations, ensuring that all transport vehicles had the required documentation. “Strict action will be taken against any violations, particularly against school vehicles operating without proper authorisation,” he warned.
The review also included discussions on addressing the growing number of illegally parked vehicles, a major contributor to congestion. Authorities are now considering stricter enforcement measures, including fines and vehicle towing, to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Later in the day, SSP Singh visited Ranga Morh and Zojila Pass to inspect road conditions. The SSG Road, a crucial link between Kashmir and Ladakh, has been closed for the past two weeks due to heavy snowfall and multiple avalanches in the Zojila sector. The closure has disrupted transport and supply chains between the two regions, raising concerns among commuters and traders.
SSP Singh reassured travellers that traffic authorities were working in close coordination with their counterparts in the Union Territory of Ladakh to monitor the road status and expedite reopening efforts. “We are in regular touch with the Ladakh Traffic Department and BRO (Border Roads Organisation) to assess the road conditions. As soon as it is deemed safe, we will facilitate the resumption of movement,” he said. With Sonamarg’s popularity surging and Zojila Pass remaining a critical access point, authorities are now focused on long-term traffic management solutions, including better road infrastructure, enhanced surveillance, and improved parking facilities to cater to the growing number of visitors.
