The recommendations by the committee of officers to develop nearly two dozen roadside and multilevel parking lots in Jammu city are a welcome move towards tackling the city’s worsening traffic congestion. These measures, if implemented efficiently, can alleviate the growing chaos on the roads caused by unauthorised parking and a lack of designated parking spaces, especially in high-density commercial areas. Jammu’s rapid urbanisation has brought with it a surge in vehicle ownership, overwhelming the city’s existing infrastructure. The committee has rightly emphasised the development of multilevel parking facilities and roadside parking spaces. The proposed sites, such as the areas near the DC office and Bikram Chowk, are strategically located to serve congested zones. However, identifying encumbrance-free land and securing the necessary funds are critical steps that require swift and decisive action.
Equally concerning is the neglect of junction improvement projects, which were detailed in the City Mobility Plan of 2020. Ten major junctions, including Panama Chowk, Indira Chowk, and Railway Station Chowk, were earmarked for geometric enhancements to ease traffic bottlenecks. However, this aspect of the Mobility Plan has remained largely unaddressed, despite its potential to significantly improve traffic flow. Grade separation for critical junctions was also proposed, yet it remains confined to paper. The establishment of dedicated Traffic Engineering Cells within key urban development and traffic management bodies, as suggested in the CMP, has been ignored. These cells, staffed with qualified traffic engineers, are vital for the design, implementation, and monitoring of traffic management strategies. The absence of such expertise is a glaring gap that undermines the effectiveness of traffic improvement measures. The H&UDD must act promptly to translate these proposals into tangible outcomes. Delays in implementation will only exacerbate the city’s traffic woes, negatively impacting commuters, businesses, and overall urban quality of life. Allocating funds in the upcoming CAPEX budget for both parking infrastructure and junction improvements is a necessary first step. Such multiple measures will not only ease congestion but also set a foundation for a more organized, accessible, and liveable city.
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