SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: Woes of Srinagar residents in respect of roads seems never ending as besides motorists, these roads cause problems for pedestrians as well. The poorly designed footpaths, uneven surfaces, potholes, lack of proper street lighting and signages, lack of road geometry and more adversely affect traffic movement. The STATE TIMES spoke to a cross-section of Srinagar residents for getting their opinions regarding bad condition of roads and traffic mismanagement.
Ghulam Mohammad, a shopkeeper, who relies on public transport said, “Even with a little rain, many roads of Srinagar city especially near Babademb Khanyar, Moulana Azad road, TRC near Radio Kashmir crossing and Lal Chowk get waterlogged, causing traffic blockades. In many cases, the water-logging is caused due to clogged drains, which makes it quite unsafe for pedestrians as well.”
Kousar Jan, a working woman, said that although automobile technology has been improved during past few years but road accident fatalities have gone up drastically and there are still many potential road hazards that can cause injuries or even deaths. “The design of some roads requires careful navigation, failing which motorists can crash. Moreover, due to lack of traffic cops on roads, motorists not follow traffic lights properly,” she added.
Tahira Akhtar, working as Production Assistant, shared, “I agree Srinagar is going to be a smart city very soon as per official record, but when I see the poor condition of roads, I feel very bad .When we buy a new car we pay about 10 to 15 per cent of total cost as road tax and cess etc, but what we get in return, and where all this money goes?”
Srinagar has never been free of under-construction roads, potholes, unscientific speed beakers and other obstacles. At several places, internet and telephone wires are poorly managed, hanging from electric poles and trees on roadside. Local residents are very upset due to such mismanagement of administration. As city roads are unsafe, many cyclists attach their bicycles to car and travel to cities out-skirts to enjoy a nice ride.
