Srinagar, Jan 5: Commuters plying through the Maulana Azad Road junction from the Sangarmal side have expressed concern over the traffic diversion, saying it is causing inconvenience to them, especially during peak evening hours.
Several commuters said that instead of allowing vehicles to cross directly at the MA Road junction, traffic authorities divert traffic, forcing motorists to take a long turn near the J&K Bank headquarters, which they say is time-consuming and causes massive traffic jams.
“This diversion means we have to cover a longer distance just to reach the same point. Earlier, even if we had to wait for a minute or two at traffic lights, it was far more convenient than taking a long U-turn,” said Irfan Ahmad, a commuter.
According to commuters, the diversion wastes time, particularly during office hours, slowing down traffic as they have to take a long detour.
“During peak hours, it becomes extremely inconvenient,” another commuter said, adding that first-time drivers often get confused due to the sudden diversion.
Commuters have urged the traffic police to review the arrangement and consider operating the junction through traffic lights instead. “We are not against regulation. Even a short stop at traffic lights is acceptable, but this long diversion is inconvenient,” they said.
SSP Traffic Srinagar City Ajaz Ahmad said that allowing vehicles to cross the junction without diversion leads to congestion and creates a bottleneck, causing inconvenience to commuters and long queues of vehicles. He said the diversion is not permanent and is implemented based on real-time traffic assessment.
“We continuously monitor traffic flow and depending on the situation, vehicles are allowed to move without following the diversion,” he said. The SSP added that although commuters have to take a U-turn, traffic movement remains smooth without stoppages. “Traffic plans are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure uninterrupted flow and minimise inconvenience,” he said.