The persistent failure of traffic signals across Jammu city has led to severe traffic congestion, causing significant frustration for commuters and raising pressing concerns about urban traffic management. Many traffic lights installed under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) have remained non-functional for months, transforming major intersections into chaotic choke points.
Prominent locations, including outside the Civil Secretariat, near Women College Parade, and Kachi Chawni Chowk, feature traffic signals that are either defunct or poorly positioned. Officials acknowledge that these signals have not operated correctly since their installation, leading to confusion and unregulated traffic movement.
The situation has deteriorated further due to ongoing construction works at significant junctions like Satwari Chowk, Kunjwani Chowk, and along Narwal Road, which have dramatically reduced road capacity. The influx of additional vehicles, spurred by the Darbar Move, winter migration from Kashmir and Ladakh, along with the ongoing marriage season, has intensified pressure on already congested roads.
In the absence of functional traffic signals, junctions frequently descend into chaos, compelling traffic police personnel to manually manage movement. Office-goers, students, and patients face regular delays, while pedestrians are left to navigate dangerously narrow carriageways due to encroachment on footpaths.
Street vendors and illegal structures have significantly narrowed available road space, aggravating traffic congestion. Unregulated reharis have emerged as major bottlenecks in several markets and residential areas, further complicating the flow of traffic.
Commuters express concern over rising fuel consumption and increasing pollution levels as vehicles remain immobilized in long traffic jams for extended periods. Despite the ongoing issue with non-functional signals, challan cameras continue to operate, leading to resentment among motorists who claim they face penalties due to factors beyond their control.
Traffic department officials indicate that they are working on assessing the situation and plan to deploy additional manpower at busy junctions. However, no official timeline has been provided for the restoration of the traffic signal system.
Residents urge the district administration, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Smart City Limited, and the Traffic Police to take immediate action to restore traffic signals, clear encroachments, and streamline traffic flow throughout the city. The rising concerns underscore the urgent need for effective urban traffic management in Jammu.
