Jammu city is currently witnessing an unusual surge in activity as the government begins functioning from its winter capital. With the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s budget session, the movement of ministers, legislators, senior officials, and government staff has increased significantly. While this political and administrative engagement highlights the importance of the city, it has simultaneously placed considerable strain on everyday civic life. The traffic system, in particular, has emerged as the most affected aspect of this situation.
The frequent movement of ministerial convoys, official vehicles, and security contingents across the city has posed serious challenges for the traffic police and the traffic department. Unfortunately, adequate advance planning and effective traffic management measures are not clearly visible. From major arterial roads to inner-city streets, traffic congestion has become a routine occurrence, leading to inconvenience, mental stress, and the loss of valuable time for ordinary citizens. Office-goers, businesspersons, patients, and students alike are bearing the brunt of this disorder.
Another serious factor contributing to the worsening traffic situation is the condition of private school buses. Although these vehicles appear to meet regulatory requirements by being painted yellow, many of them are old, poorly maintained, and unfit for safe operation. Such dilapidated buses pose a significant risk to children’s safety and are also contributing to rising air pollution levels. When large school buses ply on narrow and congested roads, they further aggravate the already strained traffic system.
It is deeply concerning that, in the process of transporting children to schools, their safety is being compromised. The responsibility of the transport department goes beyond surface-level compliance. Regular inspections of vehicle fitness, engine condition, braking systems, pollution control measures, and driver competence are essential. The apparent lack of strict enforcement in this regard has left parents and students exposed to unnecessary risks.
There is an urgent need for comprehensive and practical traffic management measures, especially during major events such as the budget session. A dedicated traffic plan, clearly identified alternative routes, restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles during school hours, and the timely dissemination of information to the public are crucial. Temporary arrangements or reactive steps cannot provide sustainable solutions.
This is the time for the concerned departments to take firm and well-considered decisions based on ground realities. Large-scale inspections of private school buses should be conducted, unsafe and unfit vehicles must be immediately removed from the roads, and traffic regulations should be enforced impartially. At the same time, long-term planning is required to ensure that traffic movement aligns with the actual capacity of Jammu’s roads.
If the role of the winter capital remains limited to administrative functioning while civic infrastructure and public convenience are overlooked, the current bustle may turn into a burden rather than a sign of progress. The government and the administration must recognise that an efficient traffic system, safe transportation, and citizen satisfaction are the true hallmarks of a functioning capital. Otherwise, this seasonal vibrancy risks becoming a persistent source of inconvenience for the people of Jammu.
