Residents, commuters, and shopkeepers in Srinagar are experiencing significant difficulties due to ongoing construction of a Vehicle Underpass (VUP) at Tengpora–Mominabad Junction. The project has led to traffic congestion, increased dust, and poor conditions on diversion routes.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Vehicle Underpass project at Tengpora–Mominabad Junction in Srinagar is causing considerable disruption. Commuters and locals have voiced their concerns over the current state of affairs, which includes traffic snarls, pervasive dust, and the dilapidated condition of roads designated for diversions.
During a ground report by GKTV, members of the public articulated the challenges they are facing on a daily basis as a consequence of the construction work. Their testimonies highlighted the impact on their routines and livelihoods.
Tatheer Manzoor, the Superintending Engineer of R&B Circle Srinagar South, provided an update on the project’s timeline. She stated that the target for the completion of the VUP is the first week of May 2027. Efforts are reportedly underway to mitigate the inconvenience caused to the public during the construction phase.
Further details from the site engineer, Shahid Ahmad Wani, confirmed the progress and outlined measures being implemented. He indicated that the macadamisation of the diversion road is anticipated to commence in the forthcoming days, a move expected to offer some relief to those navigating the area.
The Tengpora VUP project is a significant infrastructure undertaking aimed at improving traffic flow in a critical part of Srinagar. However, the immediate aftermath of the construction activities has presented a stark contrast to the anticipated long-term benefits, placing a strain on the daily lives of those in the vicinity.
Commuters have reported extensive delays, particularly during peak hours, adding to the stress of daily travel. The dust generated from the construction site has also raised concerns about air quality and potential health impacts on residents and shopkeepers operating in the affected zone.
Local businesses operating along the diversion routes have also reported a downturn in customer footfall, attributing it to the accessibility issues and the generally unpleasant environment created by the ongoing work. Shopkeepers have expressed hopes that the authorities will expedite measures to improve the diversion routes and minimize the disruption to their trade.
The R&B department has acknowledged the public’s grievances and has committed to a phased approach to manage the project’s impact. The upcoming macadamisation of the diversion roads is seen as a crucial step towards providing a smoother and safer passage for vehicles in the interim period before the VUP’s final completion.
Officials involved in the project have stressed the importance of the VUP in alleviating the perennial traffic congestion at Tengpora–Mominabad Junction, a bottleneck that has long plagued the city’s transport network. The projected completion date of May 2027 underscores the scale and complexity of the project, which involves significant engineering challenges in a densely populated urban area.
The public awaits the promised improvements to the diversion routes and expresses a collective hope for efficient project management that prioritizes minimizing disruption while ensuring timely completion.
The Chenab Times News Desk