Govt considering underpass to ease traffic bottleneck on Natipora–Barzulla route

Srinagar, Apr 09: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Wednesday informed the House that the government is actively considering the construction of a Vehicular Underpass (VUP) to ease the longstanding traffic bottleneck from Natipora Crossing to Barzulla Bridge.
The statement came in response to a question raised by MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, who sought details from the government regarding the traffic congestion on the route and the steps taken to address it. Guroo pointed out that due to the bottleneck, vehicles are being forced to take the wrong side from Barzulla Bridge to Rambagh, raising safety concerns and traffic disruption.
Responding to the question, Choudhary, who holds the Public Works (R&B) portfolio, acknowledged that a bottleneck does exist on the route, leading to a temporary diversion of traffic in the opposite direction. He said the temporary measure has helped reduce congestion between Rambagh and Natipora but acknowledged the need for a permanent solution.
“To resolve the issue permanently and restore proper uni-directional flow of traffic, certain land parcels and structures need to be acquired,” Choudhary said.
He added that as an interim step, the department is examining the feasibility of allowing Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) through a proposed underpass in the area. He said the underpass is expected to significantly ease traffic flow and reduce reliance on temporary diversions.
Deputy Chief Minister also informed the House that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the upgradation of the road from Natipora to Chanapora Bypass Bridge to Baghi Mehtab has been approved for an estimated amount of Rs 797.87 lakh. However, he added, “the commencement of the work is contingent on the availability of funds.”
The statement came in response to a second question raised by MLA Chanapora Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, who asked whether the government intends to upgrade or widen the Rambagh-Bagh-e-Mehtab road.
Responding to the question, Choudhary who holds the Public Works (R&B) portfolio, said, “The DPR for the development of the road between Natipora and Chanapora Bypass Bridge to Baghi Mehtab has already been framed. The estimated cost for this work is Rs 797.87 lakh. However, this project will only proceed once the required funds are made available.”
Choudhary also mentioned that the preparation for the four-laning of Phase-1 of the Srinagar-Chari Sharief-Yousmarg road, stretching from Natipora to Chadoora town (12 km), has been initiated. “While this project is moving forward, the upgradation of the Natipora-Chanapora to Baghi Mehtab road depends on securing the necessary financial resources.”