The prolonged failure of traffic signals in Jammu has transformed daily commutes into a frustrating experience for many. This issue not only inconveniences citizens but also poses significant challenges to urban traffic management.
Traffic lights installed under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) remain largely non-functional, with major intersections turning into choke points. Key locations such as outside the Civil Secretariat, near Women College Parade, and at Kachi Chawni Chowk suffer from dysfunctional signals or poorly positioned infrastructure.
Officials acknowledge that many traffic signals have operated sub-optimally since their installation. This malfunction contributes to confusion at busy junctions and unregulated traffic movement. The situation exacerbates the delays commuters experience daily.
Ongoing construction work at critical points like Satwari Chowk, Kunjwani Chowk, and along Narwal Road has reduced road capacity, worsening the traffic dilemma. The city grapples with an influx of vehicles due to the Darbar Move, seasonal migration from Kashmir and Ladakh, and ongoing marriage festivities, placing additional strain on already congested roads.
As traffic signals fail, police personnel must manually regulate movement at intersections. Office-goers, students, and patients face regular delays, while pedestrians are often forced onto busy carriageways due to footpath encroachments.
Street vendors and illegal structures significantly narrow available road space, intensifying the congestion issues. Unregulated reharis become major bottlenecks in various markets and residential areas, further complicating traffic flow.
Commuters express growing concern over increased fuel consumption and rising pollution levels as vehicles idle in long traffic jams. While the traffic signals remain non-functional, challan cameras continue to operate, frustrating motorists who feel penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
Traffic department officials are aware of the chaos and are reportedly assessing the situation, intending to deploy additional manpower at critical junctions. However, no timeline has been officially provided for restoring the traffic signal system in Jammu.
Residents urge various authorities, including the district administration, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Smart City Limited, and Traffic Police, to take immediate action. Urgent steps are necessary to restore functioning traffic signals, clear encroachments, and streamline traffic flow, alleviating the daily gridlock that plagues the city.
