TRAFFIC SANDWICH
Sitting through traffic in Srinagar city is among the least pleasant things we do these days. And some areas have it so much worse than others. Traffic jams are a consistent feature in Srinagar even after the smart city’s ideas which has brought new scenic look on Lal Chowk, Polo view etc but on traffic improvement near Nishat and Shalimar entrances this has meant extending pedestrian roads further reducing commuting space on some pre-existing halting places, the result has been elongated jams and creation of new bottlenecks.
Surviving tough times by building resilience
Living in present times driving through a city with unregulated traffic, frequent traffic jams can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. It creates great suffering for the people. Daily commuters have no option but to wait helplessly in their buses, official and private vehicles. Students cannot go to schools and colleges on time. Officers cannot go to offices on time. Patients cannot go to hospitals and clinics, affecting emergency calls, golden hour of life or limb saving is lost in traffic.
The buck stops where?
However, it is important to note that traffic conditions can vary significantly depending on the location specific time and VIP movement being referred to. To experience You just don’t have to take a trip from Peer Bagh to Shalimar taking Dalgate route via Gupkar road which gets frequently closed unannounced, of course you need truckloads of “Sabrun Jameel” means beautiful Patience- patience without any panic.”. This is all you’ve got. What’s right here? In recent months, the traffic police have come up with many traffic plans but without our cooperation nothing will work.
Then and now, what has changed?
In the past traffic used to be well regulated with very less traffic jams. You could predict the duration of your trip. You can spend a lifetime looking back at the past – contemplating, wishing, dreading, reliving – but the fact of the matter is those moments have passed. They are gone. What’s leftover are just the movie reels from those moments in time.
Leaving improvement in traffic entirely to concerned authorities is an unfair preposition playing in a blame game. Criticism is easy suggesting a viable solution needs mastery. There are no easy answers to the problems of traffic congestion. Traffic jams cause smog in dozens of cities across both the developed and developing world. With this in background the write-up intended primarily focusing on analyzing the traffic congestion scenario of the city and possible solutions. However, while writing this piece, I had some funny or interesting conversations with my family on road regulations and safety rituals.
In a city with moral decline at its peak and suggesting morality as a cultural system every evil the sight of which edifies a God is justified. Traffic misbehavior reflects overall moral decline in our Society. Just drive on any road you are victim of erratic driving habits, ignorance on how to take over, how to keep minimum distance between two vehicles, lane driving, use of higher beams during night, improper parking etiquettes in narrow laned colonies, and at U turns, overstepping queues in traffic jams, driving with mobile phone on near ear with neck bended with a child in lap.
Is there any speed check in our city? Oh these speeding killing machines they call them motor bikes they overtake you with a lethal acrobatics. Disturbing are traffic etiquette and behaviour, as they can contribute to accidents, congestion, and an overall unpleasant driving experience, we expect Traffic authorities besides enforcing traffic regulations strictly have to be proactive shall upload educative videos, pamphlets, conduct some awareness campaign. It is good to keep a mobile number on the dashboard if at times you are compelled to park your vehicle with space constraints you can be called.
When dealing with a youngster who is not following traffic rules and responds with abuse or disrespect it is important to remain calm not to react aggressively or with anger, maintain a calm demeanor and avoid engaging in a conversation. Thanks to our banks, the easy loan scheme for buying cars has pushed almost every Kashmiri into debt. What banks couldn’t provide to many ignorant or arrogant people sitting behind steering wheels is the “shoour (etiquettes, ethics and responsibilities) set of customs and rules for polite behavior. Gone are times when good people, especially elders used to give advice to unregulated youngsters when society shuts their eyes on limits of decency and discipline- such behaviours are expected. Remember that every individual is unique, and the causes of their behaviour may vary. Patience, understanding, and effective communication are key in addressing the issue and promoting a culture of respect for traffic rules. It’s important Involve relevant authorities, if necessary, when regulatory laws are violated.
The experts on traffic assessment and data analysis suggest collaboratively gathering and analyzing traffic data to identify congestion hotspots, peak traffic hours, and areas with high accident rates. This data-driven approach will help prioritize areas in need of improvement. Plan and design roads, intersections, and highways with a focus on reducing congestion and enhancing traffic flow. This infrastructure development may involve constructing new roads, widening existing ones, and adding smart traffic management systems like signals and roundabouts. Encourage the integration of public transportation with traffic planning.
Better public transportation options can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby reducing congestion. Create safe and convenient infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to promote alternative modes of transportation and reduce dependency on cars already taken. Implement intelligent traffic management systems that use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, adjust signal timings, and reroute traffic when necessary. Roadway congestion index is the indicator used to quantify congestion. Both the width and length of the street space occupied by parked vehicles have an influence on traffic flow and hence volume to capacity ratio. The relationship between the ratio of volume to capacity and the ratio of street area occupied by parked vehicles to total area of street-space is also being modeled. However, by addressing the root causes of these issues and implementing effective remedies, cities can create a more sustainable and livable urban environment where traffic congestion becomes less of a burden.
Conclusion
Collaborate on effective enforcement strategies of enforcement and education to ensure compliance with traffic rules and regulations. Simultaneously, launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about responsible driving habits. Addressing parking challenges through proper planning of parking spaces, implementing paid parking systems, SMC Srinagar has taken some steps. Involve the public in the planning process to gather insights, opinions, and feedback. Public involvement can lead to more effective and well-accepted solutions.
Collaboration or partnership with technology companies to explore innovative solutions such as traffic management apps, ride-sharing platforms, and autonomous vehicle integration can go a long way to curb traffic woes. Set up a framework for regular review and adaptation of the traffic plan to accommodate changing needs and circumstances. Futureproofing: Consider future developments and population growth while planning, ensuring that the traffic infrastructure can cope with increasing demands. Incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options, like electric vehicle charging stations and incentives for green transportation.
The increasing imbalance between the volume of traffic on the urban streets of developing countries and their physical capacities is resulting in severe congestion scenarios. The disparity between demand and supply is the result of fast improving socioeconomics of the people resulting in steep rise of vehicle ownership, accompanied by slow development of transportation infrastructure. Srinagar in India is one such city wherein the streets have lately experienced sudden rise of traffic volumes, catching the concerned departments unawares. The scenario is made worse by occupation of street space by hawkers, mobile shops, influence of on-street parking and standing vehicles. Absolutely! Remember that change takes time, and raising awareness about these issues can contribute to a safer and more orderly road environment over time. By working together, stakeholders can develop a comprehensive and effective traffic management plan that benefits the community, reduces congestion, enhances safety, and promotes sustainable transportation options.
(Author besides being a medical doctor, is very active in positive perception management of various moral and social issues. He can be reached at [email protected] & twitter @drfiazfazili)
