Private buses in Srinagar disrupt traffic, ignoring designated stops

Traffic congestion in Srinagar remains a significant challenge, with private buses frequently stopping at random locations, disrupting the smooth flow of vehicles. This issue has led to severe bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours, causing frustration among commuters who drive their own vehicles.
Despite existing traffic regulations, bus operators often stop in the middle of busy roads or at non-designated points to pick up and drop off passengers. This worsens congestion in high-traffic areas such as Lal Chowk, Batamaloo, Dalgate, Bemina, Soura, Habba Kadal, and Jehangir Chowk.
According to Section 201 of The Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) 1988, parking a vehicle in a manner that obstructs traffic can result in a fine of up to five hundred rupees, as long as the obstruction persists. However, commuters argue that such penalties are rarely enforced, allowing bus operators to continue this practice unchecked.
Muzaffar Shah, SSP Traffic Srinagar, stated, “We are working to address the issue by increasing enforcement and imposing stricter penalties on violators. Our teams have been instructed to monitor key locations and ensure that buses adhere to designated stops.”
However, Shah acknowledged the challenges in effectively implementing traffic regulations. “Many passengers insist on boarding at non-designated spots, which encourages drivers to stop in the middle of the road. We need a collaborative effort from both commuters and bus operators to bring discipline to the system,” he said.
Commuters express their concerns, saying these abrupt stops not only cause delays but also increase the risk of accidents. “Buses stop anywhere without warning, forcing us to brake suddenly. It’s dangerous and disrupts the traffic flow,” said Khurshid Ahmed, a commuter from Dalgate.
Shahid Mir, another commuter, shared a similar concern: “Many times, I’ve had to swerve to avoid a bus that suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. This reckless behavior endangers not just drivers but also pedestrians crossing the street.”
Pedestrians are also concerned. “Sometimes, buses stop so abruptly that people rush to board, creating chaos on the road. I’ve witnessed near-misses where passengers narrowly avoid being hit by other vehicles,” said Shoaib Bhat, a resident of Batamaloo.
“These rules are on paper, but I’ve never seen a bus fined for stopping in the middle of the road,” said Fayaz Ahmed, a commuter from Habba Kadal. “If authorities strictly enforced penalties, bus operators would think twice before blocking traffic.”
Junaid Dar, a commuter from Soura, added, “Unless these fines are strictly implemented, nothing will change. Bus drivers know they won’t be penalised, so they keep stopping wherever they please, making the roads even more chaotic.”
While authorities are taking steps to tackle the issue, it ultimately depends on the collective responsibility of bus operators, commuters, and traffic enforcement to ensure smoother traffic flow across the city.