Waris Fayaz
Sopore, Jun 08 : In a bid to alleviate escalating traffic congestion and streamline vehicular movement, the authorities in north Kashmir’s Sopore town have implemented stringent measures targeting heavy load carriers traversing through the town, while school heads were asked to ensure pickup and drop-off of students within the institution premises only.
The action from the administration came following mounting concerns over persistent traffic congestion across the town, which has been taking heavy toll on commuters as well as the pedestrians; particularly school going children and patients.
A top administrative official, while acknowledging the need for intervention, told the news agency that they have taken decisive action to enforce entry restrictions during peak hours (8:00 am to 6:30 pm) to alleviate congestion besides, minimize disruptions and optimize commuting experience for all.
Under the revised regulations, the heavy load carriers including trucks, tippers and tractors with trolleys will be prohibited from entering Sopore town during daytime hours, the official said.
The official also urged stakeholders to adhere to the prescribed guidelines and cooperate with enforcement authorities to facilitate the seamless implementation of the new traffic management strategy.
In response to traffic congestion caused by private vehicles ferrying students and occupying the main roads especially near Sub District Hospital (SDH), the official issued strict direction, asking proprietors and head of the institutions (HOIs) to ensure that the pickup and drop-off of school children occur within the premises of their respective institutions.
Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council has been tasked with deploying personnel to ensure no vehicle is parked on the main roads.
Besides, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sopore has been directed to deploy officers at key locations and other critical points to maintain discipline and regulate traffic.
“The traffic situation in the town turns very bad during morning and evening hours, with not a single traffic cop at sight to manage the gridlocks,” said a group of commuters and students.
