CS reviews traffic decongestion measures, mobility plan for Jammu & Srinagar

Jammu Tawi, May 22: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired the 5th meeting of the Multi Disciplinary Committee (MDC) on Traffic Management System to review implementation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in Jammu and Srinagar.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of recommendations made by the committee headed by the Principal Secretary, Home, and called for a time-bound action plan for their effective implementation. He also reviewed progress on identification and rectification of black spots, widening of roads, creation of rotaries and junction improvements in both cities.

Dulloo stressed the need to identify funding sources for all proposed works and directed the Housing & Urban Development Department to coordinate with the Finance Department for timely execution of projects across Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted on measures being taken for decongestion of traffic corridors, augmentation of parking facilities, improvement of road infrastructure, streamlining of public transport and strengthening of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS).

Officials informed the meeting that 10 diversion routes are operational in Jammu city, while five diversion routes have been identified in Srinagar to reduce congestion on major stretches. Dedicated e-rickshaw zones have also been notified in both cities to regulate traffic and improve last-mile connectivity.

The Chief Secretary was apprised that one-way traffic systems have been introduced at several locations, while proposals for additional no-vehicle zones in crowded commercial and hospital areas are under implementation after consultation with stakeholders.

The meeting also discussed implementation of Smart City Command and Control Response Systems (SCCoRS), Automated Traffic Management System (ATMS) junctions and procurement of modern surveillance and enforcement equipment. Traffic Police and allied departments have procured motorcycles, interceptor vehicles, cranes, body-worn cameras and ambulances for improved traffic regulation and emergency response.

Officials informed that action has been initiated against over 39,000 habitual offenders across J&K, leading to suspension and cancellation of driving licences and registration certificates besides seizure and blacklisting of vehicles.

The meeting was also informed that projects including Canal Head–Bohri, Jewel–Canal Head and Satwari–Belicharana road stretches in Jammu have been completed, while several other works are in progress in both cities.