Authorities silent spectators, traffic jams all over
Nawshaba Iqbal
Srinagar, May 1: Unauthorized taxi stands galore on Srinagar Bypass at major junctions and on the entrances of two leading hospitals of Kashmir leading to traffic jams at multiple places even as the authorities claim decongesting of Srinagar city.
Around two dozen unauthorized taxi stands operate from both sides of the highway at Shalteng, Parimpora, Bemina, Mominabad, Hyderpora, Sanat Nagar, Nowgam and Pantha Chowk crossing and main entrances of SKIMS Hospital Bemina and Children’s Hospital Bemina.
These stands affect the seamless mobility on the 14.5 kilometer corridor as dozens of these vehicles line up on the bypass at each of these stands and block the traffic leading traffic jams.
Commuters told Excelsior that traffic snarls intensify during peak hours, especially around school timings and the evening and morning rush, as taxis occupy road space meant for the traffic.
“There is no official taxi stand at many of these locations, yet vehicles continue to gather,” a local resident said they park along the roadside and wait for passengers, blocking movement despite repeated interventions.”
Traffic authorities acknowledged the issue, saying enforcement drives are being carried out daily but have had limited long-term impact.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic City) Aijaz Ahmad said 10 to 20 vehicles are seized every day during such drives.
“We conduct regular enforcement at multiple points and remove these vehicles, but they return again,” he told Excelsior.
He attributed the persistence of the problem to a demand-supply gap, noting that many commuters, particularly from rural areas, prefer vehicles like Sumos and Taveras due to quicker connectivity and shorter waiting times.
“This demand leads to clustering of vehicles at certain points, affecting traffic flow and posing management challenges,” he said, adding that a structured policy with a proper permit system is needed to regulate such services.
Drivers, however, blamed the absence of designated taxi stands for the situation. Mohammad Akbar Bhat, a Sumo driver, said many operators have taken loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to purchase vehicles.
“If there is no proper stand, where should we go?” he said, adding that drivers were earlier operating from Batamaloo and Tengpora but were asked to vacate those locations.
“We are left with no option but to stand on the roadside,” he said.
Commuters said the issue requires a balanced approach that ensures smoother traffic flow while addressing the concerns of drivers dependent on the sector.
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