The city of Jammu faces an escalating crisis as non-functional traffic signals contribute to persistent daily gridlock, causing significant disruptions to commuters. This alarming situation stems from the malfunction of most traffic lights installed under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) which have remained inoperative for months. Major intersections now function as choke points, intensifying frustration among drivers and pedestrians alike.
Several prominent locations, including intersections outside the Civil Secretariat, near Women College Parade, and at Kachi Chawni Chowk, feature signals that either do not work or are poorly positioned. Both commuters and officials acknowledge that many of these systems have not operated effectively since their inception, creating confusion and contributing to chaotic traffic flow.
The congestion problem has further deepened due to ongoing construction works at critical junctions like Satwari Chowk and Kunjwani Chowk. Additionally, ongoing construction along Narwal Road has reduced road capacity, leading to bottle-necking. Coupled with the influx of vehicles from the Darbar Move, winter migration from Kashmir and Ladakh, and the ongoing wedding season, the burden on Jammu’s roads has intensified.
In light of the signal failures, intersections now frequently descend into disorder, forcing traffic police to manually control vehicle movement. Daily, office workers, students, and patients experience frustrating delays, while pedestrians often have to navigate crowded carriageways, risking their safety as footpaths remain encroached upon by vendors.
Officials have highlighted that encroachments by street vendors and illegal constructions have narrowed road space, amplifying the gridlock. Unregulated reharis now obstruct traffic flow in various markets and residential neighborhoods, further complicating the situation.
Commuters express mounting frustration over elevated fuel consumption and increased pollution levels as vehicles languish in traffic. Despite ongoing issues with the signals, challan cameras remain active, prompting resentment among drivers who feel penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
In response to the dire state of urban traffic management, traffic department officials announced that efforts are underway to assess the situation, with plans to deploy additional manpower at high-traffic intersections. However, no definitive timeline has been provided for the restoration of the traffic signal system, leaving commuters anxious about the future.
Residents urge the district administration, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Smart City Limited, and Traffic Police to implement urgent measures to restore traffic signals and eliminate encroachments. The pressing need for a streamlined traffic flow has never been greater, as the city grapples with the dual challenge of increasing vehicle numbers and infrastructural inadequacies.
