Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 29

From suggesting increased and effective public transport to encouraging car pooling, experts and academicians here today discussed measures that could be introduced to streamline the traffic mess in the city.

The views were expressed at a seminar on traffic issues of Srinagar, organised by the Institution of Engineers, where speakers highlighted the problems faced due to the increased traffic rush in the state’s summer capital.

Khurshid Ganai and K Skandan, Advisers to Governor Satya Pal Malik, were the chief guests at the event. Chairman of the Institute, Aamir Ali, said the purpose of the seminar was to invite ideas for the redress of the traffic problem.

Srinagar, the state’s summer capital, faces increased traffic problem as high volume of vehicles operate on roads with poor infrastructure.

The speakers urged that the administration should become proactive and intervene in the matter immediately to streamline the traffic problem in the city.

The experts who spoke at the event included engineers, academics and lawyers. They highlighted the need for short-term, intermediate and long-term solutions to the problem.

The experts said the public transport should be streamlined and made effective, rush of private transport should be curtailed, bottlenecks should be removed and car pooling should be encouraged.

Ganai said a transport policy should be prepared for the state which would include all modes of transport. He said that proper attention should be given to details while working on the management of the traffic.

“There should be clarity in transport policy about responsibilities, so everyone knows what is to be done and what is their role. If we have a transport policy, we can move ahead,” Ganai said.

Skandan, in his address, said there was a need for “microscopic study” to devise the best way out. “The civil society must force the authorities to plan for next 20 years and that is what we are trying to do,” he said. He said there should be a continued “internal dialogue” and involvement of experts to achieve a better state of affairs.

Administration urged to become proactive