Jammu city is grappling with severe traffic congestion as non-functional traffic signals significantly hinder daily commutes. These issues are especially pronounced at key intersections, where the lack of effective traffic management leads to persistent gridlock.
Traffic lights installed under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) have fallen into disrepair, rendering many signals inoperable for months. Prominent locations such as the Civil Secretariat, Women College Parade, and Kachi Chawni Chowk are notable choke points, with residents expressing outrage over the deteriorating situation.
According to officials, many signals have suffered operational issues since their installation. This has exacerbated traffic movement problems, creating confusion among drivers. With several intersections transitioning into chaos, traffic police must manually manage the flow to keep roads somewhat functional.
The ongoing construction at several key junctions, including Satwari Chowk, Kunjwani Chowk, and Narwal Road, further compounds the issue. These projects have reduced road capacity, increasing the burden on an already overwhelmed system. Coupled with the Darbar Move, winter migration from Kashmir and Ladakh, and the current marriage season, the influx of vehicles places even more pressure on Jammu’s roads.
Commuters are forced to navigate treacherous conditions, where punctuality becomes a rare commodity. Office-goers, students, and patients find themselves enduring delays, while pedestrians are stranded, often forced to walk in the carriageways due to footpaths overrun by encroachments.
The rise of unregulated street vendors and illegal structures has significantly constricted road space. Street reharis have turned into critical obstacles across markets and residential areas, complicating the already dire traffic scenario.
In addition to the immediate inconvenience, residents express deep concerns over the environmental impact of the congestion. Increased fuel consumption and rising pollution levels accompany long hours spent in traffic. Although the challan cameras continue to operate, many drivers feel unjustly targeted since traffic disruptions are beyond their control.
Traffic department officials claim they are assessing the situation and considering deploying additional manpower at busy intersections. However, they heeded that no official timeline exists for restoring the traffic signal system, leaving many to wonder how long this crisis will persist.
Jammu residents have voiced urgent demands for the district administration, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Smart City Limited, and Traffic Police to take immediate action. They stress the need to restore traffic signals, clear encroachments, and effectively streamline traffic flow across the city.
