SRINAGAR: Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo has expressed serious concern over the proliferation of road dividers and barricades across Srinagar, particularly those posing a significant hazard due to poor visibility at night. He urged concerned authorities to review and remove unnecessary obstructions, emphasizing the critical need for proper illumination and reflective markings to prevent accidents.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Tramboo highlighted the tragic death of a young girl in an accident at Brane Crossing as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequately visible road impediments. He called for an immediate assessment of barricade placements throughout the city, advocating for the removal of those deemed superfluous, especially during nocturnal hours.
“Road safety cannot be compromised in the name of traffic management or security arrangements,” Tramboo stated. “If barricades are absolutely necessary, they must be properly illuminated and fitted with adequate reflective markings so that motorists can identify them from a safe distance.” He underscored that Indian road safety guidelines, including those from the Indian Roads Congress, explicitly recognize the risks associated with non-reflective barricades during nighttime and recommend appropriate safety measures.
The PDP leader criticized the indiscriminate placement of barricades and dividers on roads and at crossings, calling for a more rational and safety-conscious approach from the authorities. He cautioned that each unnecessary barricade represents a potential hazard, particularly for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists and pedestrians, and stressed the urgency of rectifying these arrangements to protect lives.
Tramboo also questioned the continued extensive presence of security barricades in Srinagar, especially in light of repeated government assertions regarding significant improvements in the security situation. “If the government itself says that the situation has improved considerably, why does Srinagar still have to look like a garrison?” he asked. He argued that security measures should be proportionate to the prevailing conditions and should not impede civilian movement or create new risks for commuters.
He appealed to the administration, traffic police, and other relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive audit of all barricades and dividers across the city. The audit, he proposed, should lead to the removal of unnecessary obstructions and the implementation of adequate lighting, reflective markings, and advance warning signs for any structures deemed essential. The ultimate aim, Tramboo concluded, should be to foster a safer, more accessible, and normal Srinagar, free from avoidable barriers.
The Chenab Times News Desk
