Srinagar, Mar 15: The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Assembly on Saturday that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed flyover from Dalgate to Jehangir Chowk is currently under review. The project, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Srinagar, is being examined by the Public Works (R&B) Department.
This update came in response to a question raised by Tanvir Sadiq, the National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA for Zadibal. Sadiq sought clarification on the government’s plans to address the severe traffic congestion, particularly in commercial hubs like Lal Chowk and Jehangir Chowk. He expressed concern over the impact of traffic jams on daily commuters, emergency service vehicles, and businesses in these vital areas.
Sadiq also raised concerns about the narrowing of Maulana Azad Road under the Smart City Project, questioning whether it had exacerbated traffic congestion and turned it into a bottleneck. He further inquired about any immediate or long-term measures the government had in place to address the crisis.
In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), acknowledged that traffic congestion in Srinagar remains a significant challenge. However, he denied that the narrowing of Maulana Azad Road under the Smart City Project had worsened the situation, stating, “The situation has not worsened due to the project,” and rejecting suggestions that it had created a bottleneck.
Abdullah further informed the Assembly that the government was actively working on a long-term solution to ease the city’s traffic woes. He mentioned that a proposal for the construction of a VOP bridge or flyover from Convent School (Joggers Park) to M.A. Link Road via Sherwani Road over the River Jhelum is under review by the Public Works (R&B) Department. He also added that the DPR for the flyover project is currently under appraisal.
