Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 4: An ambulance carrying a critically ill patient was left stranded for several minutes outside Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla today after severe traffic congestion blocked the hospital’s approach road.
Eyewitnesses said the ambulance, despite loud sirens, struggled to navigate the narrow stretch due to vehicles parked on both sides of the road and multiple roadside encroachments.
Local residents said the situation is worsened by vendors occupying parts of the carriageway, while encroachments on pedestrian pathways force people onto the road, further narrowing the available space and compounding congestion.
They said the incident also highlighted chronic traffic mismanagement outside the hospital, where the already constricted road is routinely clogged by indiscriminate parking and unattended vehicles.
Residents also alleged the absence of traffic personnel at the site despite heavy daily movement and the critical nature of the location.
“This is not an ordinary road; it is directly linked to saving lives. Even a delay of a few minutes can prove critical,” said a hospital attendant.
Over time, locals said, the approach road to GMC Baramulla has been extensively encroached upon by commercial establishments, as the area has steadily evolved into a busy commercial hub.
Notably, the hospital area witnesses a daily footfall of around 10,000 to 15,000 people.
Residents said the recurring congestion is not only inconveniencing visitors but also posing a serious risk to patients requiring urgent medical attention.
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