Srinagar, Dec 31 (KNO): In the year 2025, Traffic enforcement in Srinagar city saw marked improvement, with higher challan disposal rates, reduced pendency, and a sharp rise in fine collections.
Addressing the year-end press conference here, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic City Srinagar, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, according to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the department recorded a 56 percent disposal rate of traffic challans, up from 30 percent last year, while revenue generation crossed 1 crore rupees.
“Last year there was hue and cry over nearly five lakh pending challans in courts. This year, our disposal rate has improved from 30 percent to 56 percent, and pendencies have come down to 44 percent. That is a major achievement,” SSP Bhat said.
He attributed the progress to focused enforcement, closer coordination with courts, and better public compliance. “This means people are now clearing their dues. We have also forwarded lists of repeated violators to the RTO and Transport Commissioner for license impoundment,” he added.
COURT COORDINATION, TECHNOLOGY AND COMPLIANCE
The SSP said the department worked closely with court authorities to streamline pending challans. A dedicated investigator was appointed to verify and update old records, which led to quicker disposal and higher realization of fines.
Another key step, Bhat said, was linking traffic challans with pollution certificate issuance. “Now, violators who haven’t cleared previous dues cannot obtain pollution certificates for their vehicles. This linkage has become an effective compliance tool,” he said.
CITY-WIDE ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC COOPERATION
The SSP said Srinagar’s traffic management has improved visibly, though challenges persist due to limited infrastructure and rising vehicle density. “Our staff works under stress, but enforcement alone cannot solve congestion. Infrastructure and public cooperation are equally critical,” he said.
He also acknowledged the media’s constructive criticism, calling it “a mirror that reflects both strengths and shortcomings.”
“Sometimes media criticism helps us identify gaps. We consider it positive feedback that pushes us to perform better,” he said, thanking journalists and citizens for their support.
STRUCTURAL AND STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS
Highlighting recent interventions, the SSP said E-rickshaws were banned on MA Road and Residency Road, earning positive public feedback.
Several traffic restructuring measures were also introduced in downtown Srinagar:
The Rajouri Kadal–Gojwara stretch was made one-way for public transport, easing congestion in the busy Nowhatta hub.
The Barbar Shah bridge, too narrow for two-way flow, was converted into a one-way corridor.
Targeted drives were intensified at Chhati Padshahi and Kanyar, where frequent bottlenecks were reported.
“These small but significant measures have brought visible improvement in movement,” Bhat said, adding that similar area-specific interventions would continue in 2026.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The SSP said the department’s approach now follows a three-tier framework, with short-term, medium-term and long-term planning.
“Short-term interventions bring immediate relief, medium-term plans stabilize traffic over six months and long-term strategies span five years,” he said.
A multi-disciplinary committee is already working on comprehensive traffic management and many of the department’s proposals have been accepted by the government. “The administration has been cooperative in executing our recommendations,” Bhat said.
CRACKDOWN ON VIOLATIONS AND TEEN RIDERS
Responding to questions about violations near coaching hubs, Bhat said special drives are underway in Parraypora, Rajbagh and adjoining areas, where a large number of students use two-wheelers.
“Many teenagers ride without helmets or licenses. Our mobile enforcement teams are acting strictly wherever violations are found,” he said.
He also referenced the recent case where a parent was sentenced for his son’s reckless driving. “This should serve as a lesson. Parents must take responsibility. We won’t hesitate to act against coaching centres or establishments causing obstruction,” he shared.
SSP Bhat further suggested that licensing authorities evaluate footfall and congestion potential before issuing permissions for schools, coaching centres, or commercial units attracting large gatherings.
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND IMAGE BUILDING
Alongside enforcement, the SSP said awareness and public engagement remain central to the department’s functioning. “Our officers work hard to maintain a positive image with citizens. Enforcement is important, but so is education,” he said.
“Because of teamwork and media support, we have managed to project a more cooperative and service-oriented image before the public,” he added.
OUTLOOK FOR 2026
Looking ahead, SSP Bhat said traffic management in Srinagar will continue to evolve through technology adoption, tighter coordination with civic bodies and sustained public awareness.
“Traffic regulation is a continuous process. Constructive criticism helps us improve, and cooperation from citizens keeps us motivated,” he said, reaffirming the department’s commitment to safer, more disciplined roads in the capital city.—(KNO)