Traffic, pedestrian safety concerns surface around Srinagar Sunday markets
Calls grow for better regulation and crowd management
Srinagar, Feb 8, KNT: Traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns resurfaced around Srinagar’s Sunday markets as large crowds thronged key stretches of the city, creating movement bottlenecks and raising risks for shoppers and commuters alike.
From early morning, roads adjoining popular Sunday market locations witnessed heavy congestion as vendors set up stalls along road edges and footpaths. The influx of shoppers led to reduced carriageway space, forcing vehicles to slow down or halt intermittently, particularly in narrow stretches.
In several areas, pedestrians were seen walking on busy roads due to encroachment of footpaths by temporary stalls, increasing the chances of accidents. Locals said crossing roads became difficult amid continuous traffic flow and absence of designated pedestrian crossings near market zones.
Motorists complained of frequent traffic snarls, saying parked vehicles and loading activity further added to congestion. Auto-rickshaws and private vehicles stopping abruptly to pick up or drop shoppers contributed to disruption in traffic movement.
Traffic personnel were deployed at some locations to regulate movement, but the volume of pedestrians and vehicles often exceeded manageable limits. Officials said controlling traffic becomes challenging during peak market hours due to high footfall concentrated within short time spans.
Shoppers said while the Sunday market offers affordable options, safety remains a concern, especially for elderly people, children, and women navigating crowded roads. Several inhabitants said minor incidents and near-misses are common during peak hours.
Observers said the growing popularity of Sunday markets has increased pressure on urban infrastructure, highlighting the need for better planning. They suggested designated vending zones, clear demarcation of pedestrian paths, regulated parking, and improved traffic deployment to minimise risks.
As Srinagar’s weekly markets continue to draw large crowds, ensuring smoother traffic flow and pedestrian safety remains a pressing challenge for civic and traffic authorities. [KNT]
