Srinagar: A delegation of the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by President Mohammad Yaseen Khan, met Inspector General of Traffic M. Suleman Choudhary and Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Kashmir Haseeb-Ur-Rehman to discuss various traffic-related issues affecting the business community across Srinagar.
During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns over the road divider at Natipora, stating that it had restricted movement and adversely affected business activity in the area, resulting in substantial losses for traders.
The KTMF also highlighted the road stretch from the Biscoe School gate towards M.A. Road, which, according to the delegation, had effectively been converted into a parking area. It said the arrangement had affected the visibility and accessibility of shops on both sides of the road and negatively impacted businesses.
The delegation further raised concerns over the recent installation of barricades on the Kani Kadal road leading towards Government Medical College (GMC). Traders said the restrictions on turning towards Chotta Bazar Kani Kadal market had hampered customer movement and affected more than 200 traders in the area.
The KTMF also sought restoration of the earlier system allowing buses to ply towards the Radio Station via Residency Road, stressing that improved public transport connectivity was essential for sustaining business activity in the city’s commercial areas.
KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said that while traffic regulation and management were important, the commercial interests and livelihoods of traders also needed to be considered while planning traffic arrangements.
He urged the traffic authorities to review the issues on the ground and take appropriate corrective measures so that traffic management did not unintentionally cause further economic hardship to businesses.
The senior traffic police officers gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the concerns raised by the KTMF would be examined and appropriate measures taken.
The officers also assured the delegation that the issues affecting traders would be looked into in a practical and sympathetic manner.
Besides Khan, the delegation comprised Sheikh Abdul Rashid, General Secretary, Kani Kadal Chotta Bazar Karan Nagar Traders Association; Javed Ahmad Bakshi, Senior Vice President, Kani Kadal Chotta Bazar Karan Nagar Traders Association; senior members Bilal Ahmad Khan and Mohd Ismail Wani; Mehrajudin Khan, President, Natipora Traders Association; Ashfaq Ahmad Mahajan, President, M.A. Road Traders Association; and Muzaffar Jan, President, Abi Guzar Traders Association.
