Commuters continue to face traffic woes amid e-rickshaw ban in Srinagar

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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26 Nov 2025

Srinagar, Nov 25: More than a week after authorities barred e-rickshaws from operating on two major stretches in Srinagar city, commuters Tuesday said the decision has not brought any relief, with traffic jams persist along the busy M A Road and Residency Road in the city centre Lal Chowk.

The administration recently prohibited e-rickshaw movement on these routes, citing congestion and safety concerns. However, daily travellers argue that the situation on the ground remains unchanged.

“What is the fun of imposing such a ban when the traffic jam is still the same?” asked Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Tulsi Bagh area, who commutes through M A Road every day. “The authorities need to offer alternatives instead of pushing the blame on e-rickshaws.”

Many commuters said the ban has only added to their hardships, forcing them to either walk longer distances or rely on costlier modes of travel.

“The e-rickshaw was the most affordable option for people like us,” said Najiya Tabasum, a college student in Srinagar. “Now we have to wait longer for buses or autos, and the traffic is still choking the city centre.”

Others believe the congestion stems from broader issues such as unregulated parking, bottlenecks, and increasing private vehicles.

“Removing e-rickshaws won’t solve anything unless the bigger traffic management problems are addressed,” said a shopkeeper at Residency Road.

Commuters have urged the administration to reconsider the ban and instead introduce a regulated system for e-rickshaw movement, arguing that the decision has disrupted mobility without easing the gridlock.

On November 17, following a meeting, Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir declared two central Srinagar stretches i9jn the heat of city as no e-rickshaw zones.

According to RTO officials, the move aims to decongest the city’s busy commercial hub, which has been witnessing heavy traffic in recent months.

However, e-rickshaw operators have strongly opposed the restrictions, stating that the move threatens the livelihood of thousands of families who merely dependent on the service. The traffic police officials in Srinagar said they are working hard to ease the traffic congestion in