19/09/2026
ANANTNAG’S TRAFFIC PROBLEM NEEDS A SYSTEM, NOT TEMPORARY FIXES
Peak-hour congestion at important points of Anantnag is becoming an increasingly serious public concern.
In March 2026, a district-level meeting on traffic regulation recorded concerns from traders, transporters and market representatives regarding congestion at Mehndi Kadal, Lal Chowk, Ganjiwara, Court Road, Ashajipora and other locations. Officials from Traffic Police, MVD and Municipal Council were asked to explore measures for decongesting the town.
The Mehndi Kadal–Ashajipora bypass was inaugurated in 2017 with the stated objective of reducing traffic pressure on the main town. Yet the continuing congestion at major junctions shows that Anantnag now needs a fresh assessment of its entire traffic system.
In my view, Anantnag needs a scientific, data-based Traffic Management Plan — including traffic-volume studies, properly designed signals where technically justified, dedicated Traffic Police deployment during peak hours, disciplined parking enforcement and coordinated action by Traffic Police, MVD, Municipal Council and district administration.
This is not about blaming one political party. It is about asking every government and elected representative to address a problem that affects patients, students, employees, traders and ordinary commuters every single day.
Anantnag deserves a traffic system designed for today's needs, not yesterday's traffic.
What is the biggest traffic bottleneck in your area?