Srinagar, May 21: Commuters near the Tengpora-Gangbug bridge are growing increasingly frustrated over the persistent traffic congestion caused by the slow-paced construction work that has brought vehicular movement to a near standstill on this key route.
The ongoing construction has led to the closure of one side of the road, forcing two-way traffic to merge into a single, narrow lane riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces. This makeshift arrangement has turned into a major choke point, especially during peak hours, resulting in long traffic jams and daily delays for thousands of commuters.
Notably, the affected stretch serves as an important link connecting Parimpora, Hyderpora, north and south Kashmir, and several adjoining areas. The high volume of traffic combined with poor road conditions has turned routine commutes into frustrating ordeals.
“We often get stuck here for hours. It affects our schedules and causes a lot of trouble. We hope the work finishes soon,” said Shahnawaz Bhat, a regular commuter on this route.
“The government should’ve planned a proper detour before starting work on such a critical road,” added Yawar Reshi, another commuter. “Right now, we’re left with no option but to suffer every single day.”
The situation is especially concerning for those relying on emergency services as the route connects several major hospitals, including JVC, the Children’s Hospital, and Noora Hospital. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles frequently get trapped in the traffic jams, raising serious concerns about access to timely medical care.
A local resident, Ahsan Ganaie, recalled a recent incident: “An ambulance was stuck right in front of me for over 45 minutes. The driver kept honking, but there was no way through. It was terrifying — I could only imagine the urgency inside.”
“As a driver, I feel helpless when I see ambulances stuck. We want to make way, but there’s no room to move. The entire road is jammed with cars and trucks on both sides,” said Fazil Sheikh, an auto driver. Commuters and drivers alike are now urging the authorities to either speed up the construction or provide an alternative route to ease the daily congestion. “We urge the authorities to prioritize this project and find a quick solution. If finishing the work soon isn’t possible, an alternate route must be arranged to avoid this daily suffering,” said Kaiser Naqash, a commuter.
Responding to these concerns, a senior official from the Roads and Buildings Department assured that the project remains a priority. “The work is ongoing and steady progress is being made. We expect to complete the construction by next year,” said Sajad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer of R&B. “Efforts are underway to minimize inconvenience to the public.”
As construction continues, commuters remain hopeful that the project will be completed soon, easing the daily traffic jams and ensuring smoother travel.
