“The lack of signals has caused reckless behavior at crossings, with drivers rushing and pedestrians risking their safety. Delays and near-misses are now common.”
Srinagar is grappling with an increasingly chaotic traffic scenario, made worse by the persistent malfunctioning of traffic signals at several key intersections. Despite efforts under the Srinagar Smart City Project, particularly the introduction of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), non-functional or faulty traffic lights have become a common sight across the city. Intersections in areas such as Dalgate, Bemina, Qamarwari, Batamaloo, Jehangir Chowk, Hyderpora, Peerbagh, and Nowgam remain affected, where traffic signals either do not work at all or flash a perpetual yellow, offering no clear instructions to motorists or pedestrians. This situation has not only led to increased congestion but also created serious safety hazards. Commuters report growing frustration as they navigate junctions where the usual order is replaced by confusion. The absence of functioning signals has led to unregulated movement at crossings, where drivers often rush through uncertainly, and pedestrians are forced to take risks while crossing. Delays are frequent, tempers flare, and near-miss incidents have become a daily occurrence. The confusion caused by these faulty signals is especially dangerous during peak hours, when traffic volume is at its highest. Vehicles approaching from multiple directions often get stuck in gridlock, with no clarity on who should move first. This situation has not only slowed traffic but also increased the potential for accidents. Pedestrians, in particular, are left vulnerable at crossings where no signal guidance is available. In the absence of functioning signals, many have called for more traffic police personnel to be stationed at affected intersections. While officers have been deployed at some critical junctions, the measure remains inconsistent and temporary. The broader concern is the failure of a system that was meant to modernize traffic control in the city.
“A functional traffic system is essential for Srinagar’s mobility and safety. Immediate action is needed to ensure operational traffic signals at all intersections, as this directly impacts citizens’ daily lives. Without it, the city’s roads will remain disordered.”
Authorities have acknowledged the issue. A senior traffic department official cited technical glitches in the system and confirmed that repair efforts are ongoing. While these acknowledgments are important, they do little to ease the daily struggles of thousands who rely on safe and efficient transport infrastructure. The malfunctioning traffic signals also raise questions about the implementation and maintenance protocols under the Smart City initiative. Intelligent traffic systems are meant to bring order and predictability to urban movement. When they fail, not only do they compromise safety, but they also undermine public trust in infrastructure projects meant to improve quality of life. Going forward, there is an urgent need to prioritize the repair and maintenance of traffic lights. Regular technical audits, swift response teams for fault resolution, and contingency plans—such as deploying human personnel when technology fails—must become standard operating procedures. A well-functioning traffic system is fundamental to any city’s mobility and safety. For Srinagar, the current situation demands immediate corrective measures. Ensuring functional traffic signals at all intersections is not just a technical requirement—it is a basic necessity that affects every citizen’s daily life. Until then, the city’s roads will continue to reflect disorder rather than progress.
