Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 11: Built to decongest the traffic and provide an alternate link between Samba and Jammu, the 58-km Ring Road is now drawing attention for a different reason – a steady rise in crime that has made commuters uneasy.
Stretching from Raya Morh in Samba district to Nagrota in Jammu, the road passes through the outer areas of the city, cutting across villages and sparsely populated belts under Bari Brahmana, Miran Sahib, Bishnah, Satwari, Domana, Gharota, and Kanachak police stations.
Ajay Kumar, a resident of Janipur area in Jammu, who works for a private firm in Samba and routinely travels between the towns, said the road was earlier preferred for congestion-free travel but now people avoid it due to the recent spike in the criminal activities.
Another commuter, Sushil Sharma, said he prefers the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway even if it is congested, as reports of crime on the Ring Road over the past around one year have created fear among the travelers.
Apart from crime, concerns have also been raised about rising incidents of road rage and accidents.
Locals and experts attributed for the rise in criminal activities on the Ring Road the isolated nature of the stretch, lack of surveillance infrastructure, and inadequate patrolling by the police.
The absence of CCTV cameras and poor lighting arrangements, especially during the evening and night hours, are believed as the other factors contributing to the crimes all along the road.
Former Bar Association of Jammu president Abhinav Sharma, who hails from Marh area, said the secluded stretches, coupled with limited patrolling, have created conditions conducive for criminal activities.
He also pointed out that lack of adequate monitoring has led to misuse of the road for liquor consumption, further aggravating the situation.
Senior journalist Pawan Sharma, who is a resident of Bishnah, said long dark stretches and the road’s location outside city limits give criminals an advantage, allowing them to escape into nearby villages before police can respond.
He also flagged the absence of checkpoints and basic facilities, and alleged that some encroachments along the road could be linked to illegal activities.
To improve safety, the locals as well as experts, have called for installation of CCTV cameras, better street lighting and establishment of dedicated police posts along the Ring Road.
They have also stressed the need for regular patrolling and stricter checking to prevent misuse of the stretch for unlawful activities.
They said timely intervention and improved infrastructure are essential to restore public confidence and ensure safe movement along the road.
Recent major crime incidents reported on Ring Road
Feb 23, 2025: Two wanted criminals arrested with pistols in Miran Sahib.
July 19, 2025: Six persons held for brandishing weapons in Kanachak.
Nov 10, 2025: A 55-year-old man burnt alive near Kotli Mian Fateh.
March 18, 2026: Woman cricketer chased and hit by bikers in Bishnah.
March 24, 2026: Minor kidnapped, body recovered from Balole Nallah.
March 30, 2026: BJP leader attacked with a sharp weapon at Sardare Chak.
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