STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Daily life at Satwari Chowk went haywire on Tuesday as dozens of shopkeepers staged a strong protest against the persistent traffic congestion caused by buses and auto-rickshaws halting in front of their establishments.
According to the protesters, the issue has been ongoing for months, with passenger buses and autos routinely stopping directly in front of the market area, creating a near-permanent traffic jam.
Shop owners alleged that the continuous blockade has severely damaged their businesses, as customers are unable to reach their shops due to the long queues of stationary vehicles.
“From morning till evening, buses are parked in front of our shops. Customers cannot even come near us. How are we supposed to survive like this?” said one agitated shopkeeper, adding that repeated complaints to authorities had gone unheard.
A protesting shopkeeper, expressing deep frustration, said, “It is not just the buses and autos blocking the way to shops. The barricades installed by the administration have made things even worse. Customers cannot stop their vehicles or reach our shops because the entire stretch remains choked. Our business has dropped drastically, and no one seems to be listening to us.”
Several other traders echoed similar concerns, stating that the congestion not only causes a drop in sales but also leads to frequent arguments with drivers and commuters. The protesters claimed that the lack of a designated stopping area for public transport vehicles has resulted in chaos, with vehicles halting wherever they find space-often right in front of shop entrances.
They demanded immediate intervention from the traffic police and district administration.
Their demands include enforcing strict no-parking zones in front of the market, relocating bus and auto stops to a suitable distance.
Commuters passing through Satwari Chowk also expressed frustration, noting that the area has become a chronic bottleneck, especially during office hours.
The shopkeepers warned that if authorities fail to act, they will intensify their protest in the coming days.