Why Are Srinagar’s Road Crossings Built Only to Be Closed? A Frustrating Puzzle for Commuters
Detours, Delays, and Defaced Streets: The Confusing Reality of Srinagar’s Traffic Plan
By: Javid Amin
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is at the heart of a larger transformation under the much-publicized Smart City project. Streets once bustling with traditional charm are now morphing into more modern avenues, with new road crossings, intersections, and other infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving the city’s connectivity and aesthetics. Yet, amid these changes, one question looms large: Why are new road crossings and intersections being built only to be closed later, often seemingly at the whim of local traffic controllers?
This practice, which leaves commuters confused and frustrated, raises concerns about city planning, resource management, and the aesthetic appeal of Srinagar as it undergoes modernization. Adding to the chaos are the makeshift blockades, disorganized hanging wires, and frequent changes in traffic flow. All of this not only defaces the city but also raises questions about whether the so-called “Smart City” is actually becoming smarter or simply more complicated.
The Commuter’s Nightmare: Extra Kilometers, Extra Time, and Extra Frustration
For the thousands of people who commute daily in Srinagar, the closure of intersections and road crossings has become a maddening routine. Many complain that these closures, often abrupt and unpredictable, force them to take longer routes—sometimes adding several kilometers to their journey. What should be a straightforward drive turns into a maze of detours and blocked paths. This doesn’t just waste time; it wastes fuel, increases vehicle wear and tear, and leaves the city’s already burdened roads more congested than ever.
One local commuter, Irfan Ahmed, shares his frustration: “It’s as if the roads are designed to make us run in circles. Just when you get used to a certain route, it’s suddenly closed off, and we’re sent miles out of our way. There’s no advance notice, no warning, just barricades and traffic police waving us in a different direction.”
This frustration is shared by thousands of Srinagar residents, many of whom feel that their daily commute has become an unpredictable and stressful ordeal. It begs the question: If the original road layout had flaws, why is the same flawed system being upgraded without a permanent solution?
The Rise of Blockades and the Disappearance of Road Crossings
The use of makeshift blockades—large concrete blocks, metal barricades, and sometimes even temporary fencing—has become a common sight on Srinagar’s roads. These barriers are installed at intersections and crossings, many of which were built as part of the city’s development initiatives. Ironically, rather than facilitating better traffic flow, these blockades often make it worse.
Many commuters are left wondering: If these intersections and crossings are constantly being closed, what was the point of constructing them in the first place? Some suggest that these closures are made based on the daily discretion of local traffic controllers rather than a long-term, well-thought-out traffic management plan.
The Institute of Urban Planning and Traffic Management in Kashmir has also weighed in on the matter. According to a senior official from the institute, the issue stems from poor coordination between the departments responsible for road construction and traffic regulation. “There seems to be a disconnect between the planning phase and the implementation phase. Crossings are constructed without fully considering how they will be managed in the long run. As a result, we see a lot of stopgap solutions being applied—like blockades—which only worsen the traffic situation,” the official explained.
A City Defaced: The Eyesore of Hanging Wires and Barricades
Srinagar’s streets, which were once lauded for their cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty, are now marred by aesthetic eyesores. Hanging wires dangle precariously over intersections, while temporary barricades and haphazardly placed concrete blocks disrupt the landscape. For a city that is supposed to be on the path to becoming a “Smart City,” these unsightly features paint a very different picture.
In the words of local resident Asma Bhat: “It’s not just about the inconvenience anymore. Our city is being defaced. Everywhere you look, there are wires hanging, blocks lying around, and roads that lead nowhere. Is this what they mean by Smart City? It’s anything but smart.”
The haphazard nature of these blockades raises concerns not just about traffic management, but about the broader vision for Srinagar’s urban development. Are these barricades and hanging wires a temporary fix for a larger problem, or are they here to stay? Moreover, if the old road layout had inherent flaws, why weren’t these flaws addressed before launching into a large-scale upgrade of the city’s infrastructure?
The Role of Local Traffic Controllers: Discretion or Mismanagement?
One of the most baffling aspects of Srinagar’s road system is the seeming inconsistency in how intersections and crossings are managed. Many residents claim that closures and detours often appear to be at the discretion of local traffic controllers, with little regard for consistency or the needs of commuters.
One frequent commuter, Bilal Shah, shared his experience: “There are times when the same crossing that was closed in the morning is open again by the evening. Sometimes it feels like traffic is being diverted based on individual decisions, rather than any logical plan. It makes no sense.”
This erratic approach leaves residents questioning the effectiveness of the traffic management system. If intersections are meant to be permanently closed, why aren’t they closed in a clear and definitive manner—with proper signage, permanent barriers, and public announcements? Why are they kept as-is, allowing for the possibility of reopening whenever convenient?
The constant uncertainty leaves commuters in a state of flux, with many wondering if there is any real oversight or long-term planning involved in these closures. Is the goal to reduce the burden on traffic police, or is it simply a matter of shifting responsibility and inconvenience onto the public?
The Impact on Resources: Wasting Fuel, Time, and Energy
The constant rerouting and closure of crossings don’t just inconvenience commuters—they have a significant environmental and economic impact as well. Srinagar is already a city grappling with pollution and traffic congestion. Forcing vehicles to take longer routes adds to the city’s carbon footprint, as cars and buses burn more fuel to cover extra kilometers.
Moreover, the time lost in these detours adds up. For working professionals, students, and daily wage earners, every minute counts. Wasting valuable time navigating through unpredictable road closures can impact productivity and well-being. In a city already dealing with limited resources, this inefficiency only exacerbates the problem.
Local transport operators, too, have voiced their concerns. Drivers of public buses and auto-rickshaws report losing significant amounts of money due to the erratic closures. Some bus routes are forced to extend their journeys by several kilometers, using more fuel and reducing the number of trips they can make in a day.
According to Mushtaq Ahmed, a public bus driver: “We’re losing money every day because of these roadblocks. We can’t predict how long a trip will take anymore, and passengers are getting frustrated with the delays. If the city is serious about improving traffic flow, they need to find a solution that works for everyone.”
A Solution in Sight? What Needs to Change
The question that remains is: What can be done to fix this mess? While no immediate solution seems forthcoming, there are several key areas where action could make a significant difference.
1. Long-Term Traffic Planning
First and foremost, there needs to be a long-term traffic management plan that addresses the issue of road crossings and intersections in a comprehensive way. This plan should take into account the daily needs of commuters, the environmental impact, and the overall aesthetic of the city.
Urban planners, traffic controllers, and local authorities need to work together to ensure that once a road crossing is built or upgraded, it is either permanently opened or closed, with clear communication to the public. Temporary blockades should only be used in emergency situations, not as a standard practice.
2. Transparent Communication with the Public
Clear communication is key. If a road crossing or intersection is going to be closed permanently, the public should be informed well in advance. Proper signage, public announcements, and clear instructions for alternative routes can help reduce confusion and frustration.
Moreover, if changes are being made for a specific purpose—such as easing the burden on traffic police—this should be explained to the public so that they understand the reasoning behind the decision.
3. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Fixing the Eyesores
The Smart City project aims to improve Srinagar’s aesthetic appeal, but the current situation does the opposite. Hanging wires, blockades, and temporary structures are making the city look cluttered and poorly maintained. Authorities need to prioritize the beautification of the city’s roads, ensuring that infrastructure upgrades align with the larger vision of a modern, attractive city.
4. Permanent Solutions for Road Infrastructure
If the old setup had loopholes, those need to be permanently fixed, rather than implementing temporary, half-hearted measures. Srinagar’s roads should be built to last, with proper planning and execution to avoid the need for frequent changes and closures.
Bottom-Line: Smart City or Traffic Nightmare?
Srinagar’s ambitious Smart City project holds the promise of transforming the city into a modern, efficient urban space. However, the current approach to road crossings, intersections, and traffic management is undermining that vision. Commuters are being forced to run extra miles, waste valuable time and resources, and navigate a maze of closures and detours—all while the city’s aesthetic appeal deteriorates due to makeshift blockades and disorganized infrastructure.
If Srinagar is to truly become a smart city, it must start by addressing the fundamental issues with its road system. Permanent solutions, clear communication, and a commitment to both functionality and beauty are essential. Only then can the city shed its current image of chaos and confusion and live up to its promise of becoming a modern, thriving urban center.