SRINAGAR: In a major traffic enforcement drive, Srinagar Traffic Police has issued nearly 500 challans to Smart City bus drivers over the last three months for repeated traffic violations across the city.
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Strict Monitoring of Smart City Buses
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad, confirmed the crackdown while speaking at a free medical camp organized for bus drivers in collaboration with Paris Hospital.
“Wherever violations are observed, action is taken without delay,” SSP Ahmad stated, emphasizing that authorities are consistently monitoring the conduct of Smart City bus drivers to ensure road safety in Srinagar.
Health Camps for Driver Safety
The medical initiative, aimed at promoting road safety through health awareness, provided:
- Comprehensive eye check-ups
- Diabetes screening
- General health consultations
The camp specifically focused on elderly drivers vulnerable to vision problems that could contribute to road accidents in Kashmir.
Public Advisory Against Online Fraud
In his address, SSP Ahmad also issued a crucial public advisory against rising online fraud cases, urging Srinagar residents to:
- Use only official platforms like the government’s Periwan app
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Verify authenticity before sharing personal information
Two-Fold Road Safety Strategy
“Our efforts are two-fold – improving driver health to reduce accidents, and taking strict action against traffic violations,” the SSP said. “Public safety remains our top priority in Srinagar.”
Background: Smart City Bus Service in Srinagar
The Smart City bus service was launched as part of Srinagar’s transformation under the Smart Cities Mission, aimed at providing modern, efficient public transportation to residents. However, recent months have seen increasing concerns about traffic discipline among some bus operators.
Public Response to Traffic Crackdown
Local residents have welcomed the strict action against traffic violations. “We’ve noticed reckless driving by some Smart City buses, especially near schools and crowded markets,” said a concerned citizen from Lal Chowk. “This crackdown will make our roads safer for everyone.”
Future Road Safety Initiatives
SSP Ahmad indicated that similar health camps and traffic awareness programs will be extended to other districts of Kashmir in the coming months. The Traffic Police department is also planning to install more CCTV cameras at major intersections to monitor compliance with traffic rules.
The success of the medical camp has prompted plans to extend similar initiatives to other areas of Kashmir in the future.—(KNO)