Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Feb 8: The signboards along the Srinagar-Leh (NH-1), currently written in English and Hindi, will soon feature names in Urdu as well, with work expected to begin in March.
According to response to a Right to Information (RTI) application, Project Beacon has stated that, in future as well, signboards under its jurisdiction will include Urdu alongside English and Hindi.
“It is to inform you that the signboards installed in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) of this Project along the NH-1 Sector are currently written in English and Hindi,” the reply from the Public Information Officer (PIO) Beacon, acknowledged.
It stated that these sign boards “will be corrected,” incorporating local language.
The reply noted that the corrections are planned for the upcoming working season, which is likely going to be March onwards.
The project has also outlined that, moving forward, “signboards will incorporate the local language, Urdu, considering the region’s linguistic demographics, in addition to English and Hindi.”
The response from Project Beacon also confirmed that, in the future, “signboards under its jurisdiction will include Urdu alongside English and Hindi.”
“This change is being implemented to ensure that the signage is more accessible to the local populace, particularly those who primarily speak Urdu.”
By including the local language, Beacon informed that it aims to improve communication and clarity for all road users, “in accordance with guidelines like IRC: 67, which emphasize the importance of bilingual or multiannual road signs to enhance safety.”
Syed Adil, an RTI activist who filed the application, told Excelsior that he was shocked to see Urdu missing from the signboards along NH-1, despite it being the official language of J&K.
It is worth noting that when photos of these signboards surfaced online, many people expressed their displeasure, stating that the signs violated regulations and should also include local languages, especially Urdu.
Activists who have been following the issue and advocating for the inclusion of Urdu on signboards pointed out that the RTI reply confirms the existence of such guidelines.
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