From Gridlock to Glide: Proposed Flyover for Anantnag’s Traffic Woes
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Gridlock to Glide: Proposed Flyover for Anantnag’s Traffic Woes
Peerzada Mohsin Shafi
M.Tech Infrastructure Development and Management Hon’s,
Researcher, Member ASCE, Contracts and Planning Professional
Anantnag, one of the oldest and most historically rich districts in the Kashmir Valley has been a pivotal part of the region’s heritage and development. Once encompassing the entirety of South Kashmir, the district was divided into Anantnag and Pulwama in 1979 followed by the creation of Kulgam and Shopian in 2007. Despite the restructuring, Anantnag remains a key district, strategically positioned as a link to the rest of the valley. It shares its boundaries with several important districts like Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Pulwama and Kulgam.
Anantnag is not just geographically significant, but also demographically crucial. As per the 2011 Census, the district has a population of approximately 10.79 lakh, spread across 387 inhabited and seven uninhabited villages. The district also hosts one Municipal Council and eight Municipal Committees, underscoring its urban and semi-urban character. It is home to some of the most scenic tourist destinations in Kashmir, including Pahalgam, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal, all of which attract thousands of visitors every year, further amplifying the district’s importance.
The road infrastructure in Anantnag is expansive, yet increasingly strained. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Road Gazette of 2022, Anantnag leads the region in terms of road length, boasting an impressive 2,957 kilometres of roads, including National Highways, Major District Roads, and Village Roads. This accounts for approximately 14% of Kashmir’s total road network. The district is a vital connector not only within South Kashmir but also with other parts of the region, including the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal areas. However, despite this extensive network, many of the district's roads have aged past their design life and are now unable to handle the growing traffic load.
The heart of Anantnag’s traffic congestion lies in the Lal Chowk area, which serves as both the commercial and administrative hub of the district. In addition to being a vital commercial area, Lal Chowk is also located in close proximity to the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag at Janglat Mandi, which adds to the heavy flow of traffic. The district’s strategic location also means it sees an influx of vehicles from surrounding towns and villages, including Doru Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal, Qazigund, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Ramban, Kishtwar and other parts of the region. This converging traffic, particularly during peak hours, creates chaotic gridlocks that extend from Ashajipora Chowk to Khanabal Chowk, with traffic jams often reaching triple-lane congestion during the rush hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., when schools and offices open and close.
The traffic bottleneck in Anantnag has been a long-standing issue, and despite several efforts to address it, the problem persists. In 2015, the then-Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, sanctioned ₹9.51 crore for the construction of a bypass road aimed at easing the congestion. The bypass, which starts at Ashajipora and ends at Mehandi Kadal, was hailed as a potential solution to the traffic woes. However, the bypass, while helpful, has not resolved the issue entirely. The reason for this is that the bypass itself starts and ends at the very points where traffic congestion is heaviest as also shown in the figure, thus becoming yet another bottleneck during peak hours. Rather than alleviating the problem, it has, in some cases, compounded it.
To address this issue the ultimate solution is the construction of a 4-kilometer flyover that would begin at Moominabad, pass through Janglat Mandi, Lal Chowk, and Mehandi Kadal, and end at Khanabal Chowk. The flyover is a feasible and effective solution to the ongoing traffic mess, as the area’s topography is ideally suited for it. The flyover would alleviate congestion by allowing traffic to bypass critical intersections, significantly reducing delays and providing smoother passage for commuters.
What makes this proposal even more viable is that it would not require the displacement of local residents or the payment of compensation, as the flyover can be constructed along an existing route. This makes it a cost-effective and efficient solution that can be implemented with minimal disruption to daily life. The proposed flyover would ensure smoother traffic flow, cut down on travel time, and reduce the air pollution caused by idling vehicles during prolonged traffic jams.
It is important to note that Anantnag serves as the gateway to South Kashmir, catering to not just the local population but also those from the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal regions. This makes Anantnag’s traffic issues even more pressing, as it serves as a critical lifeline for multiple districts. While cities like Jammu and Srinagar have benefitted from the construction of multiple flyovers and modern road infrastructure, Anantnag has largely been neglected in this regard. The proposed flyover, therefore, would not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also ensure that the district remains competitive in terms of development and accessibility.
Anantnag is a district that has long served as a vital hub for the entire southern region of Kashmir. Its road infrastructure and traffic management are key to ensuring the continued prosperity of the area. The proposed flyover could be the catalyst that transforms the district’s traffic dynamics, making it a more liveable and accessible area for residents, commuters, and tourists alike.
In conclusion, while Anantnag has witnessed significant development over the years, its traffic woes remain a major hurdle. The construction of the proposed flyover could be a transformative solution, addressing the root causes of congestion and creating a more efficient and modern infrastructure network. As Anantnag continues to grow, it is essential that its infrastructure keeps pace with this growth, ensuring that the district can fully realize its potential as a hub for South Kashmir and beyond. The time for decisive action is now—Anantnag deserves the same level of investment in infrastructure that other regions of Jammu and Kashmir have received, and the proposed flyover is an essential step toward achieving this goal.
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