Daily traffic chaos on Sherbagh MCH road leaves commuters stranded
Locals, commuters demand govt intervention
Anantnag: Traffic congestion on Sherbagh MCH Road in Anantnag town has emerged as a major concern for commuters, residents, and emergency service providers, with the stretch witnessing severe traffic jams on an almost daily basis due to indiscriminate parking of vehicles along both sides of the road.
The road, which serves as an important link for local residents and visitors, has increasingly become a bottleneck as vehicles parked on either side significantly reduce the available carriageway, leaving little room for the smooth movement of traffic. During peak hours, long queues of vehicles can be seen stretching across the area, causing inconvenience to motorists, pedestrians, and patients heading towards nearby healthcare facilities.
According to local residents, the situation has deteriorated over the past several months, with traffic snarls becoming a routine affair. They said that despite repeated complaints, little has been done to address the issue, allowing the problem to persist unchecked.
“The road has virtually turned into a parking zone. Vehicles are parked on both sides, leaving only a narrow passage for traffic. Even a small increase in vehicle volume leads to complete gridlock,” said a local resident.
Of particular concern is the impact on emergency services. Residents said ambulances carrying critically ill patients often find themselves trapped in the congestion, resulting in delays that could prove costly during medical emergencies.
“Every minute matters when an ambulance is transporting a patient. Unfortunately, traffic jams on this road often prevent emergency vehicles from moving swiftly. This is not merely an inconvenience—it is a matter of public safety,” another resident said.
Commuters also expressed frustration over the lack of effective traffic management measures and questioned why the concerned departments and traffic authorities have not taken concrete steps to regulate parking and ensure smooth traffic flow.
The worsening situation has sparked widespread concern among the public, who are now demanding immediate intervention from the district administration, Municipal Council, and Traffic Police. They have called for a comprehensive drive against illegal roadside parking, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and the identification of designated parking spaces to prevent further congestion.
Residents believe that timely action can significantly ease traffic pressure on the road and improve accessibility for both commuters and emergency vehicles.
“We are not asking for anything extraordinary. Authorities simply need to ensure that roads meant for traffic are not occupied by illegally parked vehicles. A sustained enforcement drive can resolve much of the problem,” a local trader said.
The public has appealed to the concerned authorities to take urgent notice of the issue and implement effective measures to restore smooth traffic movement on Sherbagh MCH Road, ensuring convenience, safety, and unhindered access for emergency services.
