Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Oct 13 (KNS) : Bandipora town is facing severe traffic disruption as a growing number of unregistered auto-rickshaws clog key roads and intersections, prompting residents to demand urgent intervention from authorities.
Many of these vehicles operate without registration or number plates, posing not only a traffic hazard but also a serious risk to public safety. Locals fear that in the event of accidents — which have occurred in the past — offenders cannot be identified even through CCTV footage.
Owing to what residents describe as a “free hand” by traffic police and the ARTO Office, many drivers engage in reckless driving, further aggravating congestion.
From the District Hospital Bandipora to Main Chowk, Kaloosa, and the Gulshan Chowk area, autos have practically taken over the roads, making even short stretches nearly impassable. Commuters report that a three-kilometre journey from the market via Kaloosa to Nebrepora now takes unusually long due to constant traffic snarls.
Once considered Jammu and Kashmir’s first model town, Bandipora’s infrastructure — developed under a master plan in the 1960s — is now buckling under encroachments and poor urban planning. Roads originally constructed to ease market traffic have become virtually unusable, worsening congestion and creating daily chaos.
“The traffic mess has literally become unbearable. One has to think multiple times before taking a car into the town,” said Nazir Ahmad, a local resident.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“The narrow roads, lack of parking, and complete mismanagement make life miserable.”
For daily commuters, the situation is exhausting. Mudasir Mushtaq, who travels regularly from Sumbal, said, “I dread entering Bandipora town. Illegal parking, traffic mismanagement, and the absence of proper auto stands make the journey tiring and frustrating.”
The District Hospital area has emerged as the worst-hit zone, with autos routinely blocking ambulances and emergency routes. “The stand outside the hospital has become a nightmare. Ambulances are usually stuck, endangering patients,” said Mohammad Suhail, a shopkeeper near Main Chowk. Tahira Jan, a resident of Kaloosa, added, “We are not against auto drivers earning their livelihood, but there has to be order. Right now, it’s complete chaos.”
The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) has assured that illegal auto stands will be removed “within a day or two,” but locals remain wary after years of unaddressed congestion.
Civic groups and social activists have joined residents in urging the Municipal Council, Traffic Police, and Transport Department to implement a coordinated traffic management plan. They have called for the identification of designated auto stands, strict enforcement of parking norms, and awareness campaigns for both drivers and commuters to restore order.
“We’ve heard promises before. This time, people want results — not words,” said a local trader, reflecting widespread scepticism.(KNS)