Says pendencies dropped to 44%, revenue touched Rs 1 Crore
SRINAGAR, DEC 31 – Stating that traffic enforcement in Srinagar improved significantly in 2024, with higher disposal rates, fewer pendencies and better public compliance, the authorities on Wednesday said that focussed enforcement and coordination have delivered visible results.
Addressing the year-ender press conference, Senior Superintendent Traffic City, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, said the disposal rate of traffic challans increased to 56 percent in 2025, compared to 30 percent last year, while revenue generation touched over Rs 1 crore during the same period.
He said that Srinagar’s traffic system can only function smoothly through cooperation among media, public and enforcement agencies. “Sometimes the media criticise the traffic department, but that criticism helps us improve. We see you as a mirror that reflects both our good work and our shortcomings,” he said.
Highlighting the department’s key focus area, SSP Bhat said traffic enforcement saw major progress this year. “Last year, there was hue and cry over nearly five lakh pending cases in courts. This year, our disposal rate rose to 56 percent, compared to 30 percent last year,” he said.
He further said that revenue generation during 2025 touched Rs 1 crore, while pendancies dropped to 44 percent, which he described as a significant achievement.
“This means people are now clearing their dues. We have also sent lists of repeated violators to the RTO and the Transport Commissioner for license impoundment,” SSP Bhat said.
He acknowledged that traffic congestion in Srinagar continues to rise despite efforts by the department. “Our staff remains under stress, but it’s not only about enforcement and traffic can only flow freely when infrastructure is adequate,” he said.
He shared that a multi-disciplinary committee is already looking into traffic management at a high level and that many of the department’s recommendations have been accepted and implemented by the government. “The government has been very cooperative in executing our suggestions,” he added.
The SSP said that Srinagar’s traffic management approach includes short-term, medium-term and long-term plans, forming part of a continuous improvement strategy. “Short-term interventions provide immediate relief, medium-term measures stabilize traffic within six months and long-term planning spans five years,” he said.
He said that the department recently implemented several interventions across Srinagar which have improved mobility. “E-rickshaws were banned on MA Road and Residency Road, and the feedback was very positive,” he said.
He added that Downtown area had long been neglected in traffic planning, prompting several new measures. “The Rajouri Kadal–Gojwara stretch has been made one-way for public transport, easing congestion in Navhatta, a busy business hub. Similarly, the Barbar Shah bridge, being too narrow for two-way flow, has also been made one-way,” he said.
Other interventions include changes at Chhati Padshahi and Kanyar, where the department has intensified drives. “These small but significant changes have brought visible improvement,” he said.
The SSP said the department worked closely with court authorities and appointed a dedicated investigator to streamline pending challans. “We found that many records weren’t updated and people hadn’t paid. By appointing an investigator, we ensured faster disposal,” he said.
He also revealed that violators who fail to clear their dues cannot now obtain pollution certificates for their vehicles. “Until previous challans are cleared, pollution centers won’t issue certificates. This linkage has become an effective compliance mechanism,” Bhat said, calling it another major achievement.
SSP Bhat said that public awareness remains an equally important part of the department’s functioning. “Our enforcement is complemented by education and awareness drives. My officers work hard to maintain a positive image with the public,” he said.
He also appreciated the contribution of his team and the media in shaping public perception. “Because of their hard work and your support, we have managed to project a positive and cooperative image before the people,” he said.
Responding to a question about traffic violations near coaching hubs, Bhat said drives are being intensified in Paripora, Rajbagh and other areas where a large number of students use two-wheelers.
“We know that many teenagers are using two-wheelers without helmets or licenses. Our mobile enforcement teams will continue to act wherever violations are found,” he said.
Referring to a recent case where a parent was sentenced for his son’s reckless driving, Bhat said the department will maintain a strict stance. “This should serve as a lesson and parents must ensure their children obey the law. We will not hesitate to take action against coaching institutes or establishments that cause traffic obstruction,” he said.
He added that licensing authorities must also assess footfall before granting permissions to schools, coaching centres, or businesses that attract large gatherings. “That is part of a broader regulation mechanism,” he said.
SSP Bhat also reiterated that Srinagar’s traffic management is an ongoing process requiring cooperation from all stakeholders.
“Traffic regulation and enforcement are continuous efforts. Constructive criticism helps us improve and cooperation from media and citizens motivates us to perform better,” he said—(KNO)
