Srinagar: In a collaborative civil society-government effort toward reimagining urban mobility in the region, the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre, in collaboration with the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), hosted a high-impact one-day workshop titled “Transforming Traffic, Ensuring Safety” in Srinagar today.
Focused on addressing traffic challenges and enhancing road safety through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, the workshop brought together technocrats, architects, civic officials, academics, and policy experts for an unprecedented dialogue on sustainable transport solutions for Srinagar and beyond.
The workshop was inaugurated by Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised the urgent need for integrated and actionable solutions to Kashmir’s rising mobility challenges.
Er. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai (Retd. IAS), former Advisor to the Governor of J&K, presided as Guest of Honour, while Lateef uz Zaman Deva, Vice-Chairman, GCC, delivered the welcome address.
Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim, FIE, Chairperson, IEI J&K State Centre, delivered the valedictory address, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure planning. The event was coordinated by Dr. Jahangeer Ali, MIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI J&KSC.
The technical session featured a series of thought-provoking presentations:
Er. Aaqib Zahoor (NIT Srinagar) addressed “Smart City – Local Issues & Way Forward”, focusing on IT-driven urban interventions.
Ar. Suhaib Naqashbandi (Srinagar Smart City Ltd.) shared “Sustainable Transport Initiatives of Srinagar Smart City”, outlining current and planned urban mobility projects.
Er. Irfan Ahmad Reshi (MIE) presented on “Forgiving Roads”, a safer design approach for accident reduction.
Dr. Fiaz Fazili (GCC) discussed “Traffic Woes in Kashmir: Analysis & Sustainable Solutions”, drawing from data-driven research.
Er. Shafat Qazi, Founder of BQE Software, USA, delivered a global perspective through his talk on “Best Traffic Management Practices around the World.”
Prof. Mohammad Shafi Mir, Dean of Academic Affairs, NIT Srinagar, offered policy insights for creating a safer and more efficient transport system in the city.
The event drew participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including the Vice-Chairman of JKLCMA, SSP Traffic Srinagar City, eminent former Chief Engineers, executive members of IEI J&KSC, as well as students, urban planners, and academics—highlighting a collective will to reform Kashmir’s urban traffic systems.
A Panel Discussion cum Q&A Session brought the workshop to a close, fostering interactive dialogue and generating actionable recommendations. These will be compiled and submitted to the relevant government departments for policy consideration and implementation.
Pertinently, the traffic situation in Kashmir, especially in the capital city of Srinagar, has become a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. With a major rise in the number of vehicles and insufficient road infrastructure, the city is facing severe congestion.
This not only affects daily commuters but also hampers emergency services and local businesses. The growing traffic problem is further complicated by environmental pollution, which poses a serious threat to the region’s fragile ecosystems.
Dr. Fiaz Fazili, a dedicated citizen and columnist, has taken the initiative to address these traffic challenges. In a recent presentation, he highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions to improve traffic management in Kashmir.
Dr. Fazili emphasised that the current traffic crisis is not just about having more cars on the road; it reflects deeper issues related to planning, coordination, and governance.
One of the main problems identified is the mismatch between the number of vehicles and the available road length. As the number of vehicles continues to rise, the existing infrastructure is unable to cope, leading to frustrating traffic jams.
To combat this issue, Dr. Fazili proposed several immediate measures, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for traffic management, enhancing public transport options, and launching awareness campaigns to educate the public about road safety and responsible driving.
In addition to these immediate actions, Dr. Fazili outlined medium-term solutions that could help alleviate traffic congestion. He suggested developing structured parking facilities through public-private partnerships (PPP) in key areas like Lal Chowk and Batamaloo.
This would help manage parking more effectively and reduce the number of vehicles on the streets. Furthermore, he proposed a plan to widen ten major roads in the city, ensuring that any expansions are based on scientific planning and input from urban planners.
Another important recommendation is to implement vehicular entry regulations, such as odd-even schemes during peak hours and “Green Permits” for new vehicles. These measures would help control the flow of traffic and reduce congestion during busy times.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fazili stressed the importance of long-term solutions. He called for the establishment of mass transit systems to encourage people to use public transport instead of relying solely on personal vehicles. Additionally, he highlighted the need for zoning regulations to manage urban sprawl effectively.
A comprehensive reform of driving education is also essential to promote a culture of road safety and discipline among drivers.
