SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: The much awaited hi-tech Intelligent Traffic Light System in Srinagar is witnessing several delays as same is still not operative which shows the seriousness of concerned authorities about the system. Unusual delay in operation of Intelligent Traffic Light System in summer capital is taking a heavy toll on commuters due to frequent traffic jams at vital intersections. Though authorities installed the Intelligent Traffic Light System at all major junctions, however same is not functional yet. “Equipped with smart cameras and a state-of-the-art control room, the system will monitor traffic and divert it accordingly thereby avoiding traffic mess in the city”, officials told .While commuters said that delay in commissioning of the Intelligent Traffic Light System is creating problems for them. “Old traffic lights have been replaced by smart traffic lights. But they are not functioning. Everyone is well aware of long traffic jams in Srinagar. Authorities should be quick to start these traffic lights for streamlining traffic,” said a commuter.
An official said that Srinagar Municipal Corporation installed Intelligent Traffic Light System in more than 16 locations including city centre Lal Chowk. Earlier SMC Commissioner assured that the work on the Intelligent Traffic Light System has been completed and the system will start working by end of November 2021. But more than five years have passed; the intelligent traffic lighting system is still non-functional and had jumped several deadlines.
“More than 90 per cent of the work is complete and we are now working on configuration and calibration of these systems. As soon as these works will be done, system will work smoothly,” an official said. “Lights at Rajbagh, Hyderpora, Jahangir Chowk and many other places in Downtown area of Srinagar city are not functioning properly. Without doing basic engineering work, they installed traffic lights in some places, which are now causing problems. These traffic lights at busy places with a higher volume of vehicles create jams,” residents told STATE TIMES.