Srinagar, Mar 16: The slow pace of work on the Sanat Nagar flyover along the Srinagar expressway bypass (NH44) has left thousands of commuters frustrated as they face daily traffic jams at the busy intersection. Initially scheduled for completion in June 2024, the Rs 45 crore project has already faced multiple delays, and with construction moving sluggishly, it now seems unlikely to meet the revised April deadline.
The flyover, aimed at easing congestion at one of Srinagar’s busiest junctions, is part of a broader plan by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to improve traffic flow at key intersections. In 2020, NHAI proposed three short-distance flyovers at Bemina, Sanat Nagar and Nowgam intersections to address traffic bottlenecks on the Srinagar expressway bypass. While the flyovers at Bemina and Nowgam were completed and opened for traffic in early 2024, work at Sanat Nagar remains stalled, leaving commuters to endure mounting frustrations.
“The traffic jams are unbearable, especially during peak hours,” said Faisal Lone, a regular commuter. “I spend more time stuck in traffic than actually driving.” Nisar Ahmed, another commuter, echoed his sentiments, explaining, “I leave early to avoid the traffic, but still end up waiting for long stretches just to get through this intersection.”
As delays continue, many commuters feel the situation is only worsening. “It feels like we’re moving backward instead of forward,” said Nida Wani, another regular traveler. “I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t stuck in a jam here.”
Adding to the frustration, the deteriorating condition of service roads has made commuting even more challenging. Large potholes, dust clouds, and poorly maintained paths have created hazardous conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. “The service road is in terrible condition, full of potholes. What was supposed to be a temporary inconvenience is now becoming a long-term disaster,” said Bilal Mir, a commuter.
Muzamil, a local resident, shared a concerning incident: “I was heading home after Fajr prayers and fell into one of the potholes. Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt, but an elderly person could have been seriously injured.”
Officials attribute the delay to a high-voltage transmission line passing above the under-construction site near the Seven Eleven Departmental Store. However, many commuters argue that the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department should have resolved this issue before construction began.
“It’s shocking they started construction without addressing such a major obstacle,” said Muneeb Khan, a local resident. “Poor planning and lack of coordination have left people suffering.”
Despite these growing concerns, authorities maintain that the project remains a priority. Chief Engineer of R&B, Sajad Naqeeb, reassured the public, stating that work on the flyover continues. “While challenges like the transmission line have caused delays, efforts are underway to relocate it. Tenders for the relocation process have already been issued by KPDCL,” Naqeeb said.
However, no clear timeline has been provided for when the transmission line issue will be resolved.
While authorities maintain that efforts are being made to accelerate the project, many commuters remain skeptical. With no concrete deadline in sight and traffic conditions worsening by the day, residents fear that delays will stretch beyond April, further compounding their daily commuting struggles.
For now, Srinagar residents have little choice but to endure the constant traffic jams, hoping that the much-needed flyover will eventually provide the relief they have been waiting for.
