Anantnag, Apr 15 (KNO): Residents of south Kashmir’s Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian districts have demanded the construction of a parallel bridge at the busy Khanabal junction, saying it has become a “pressing necessity” to ease the persistent traffic congestion that disrupts daily life.
The Khanabal bridge, considered a crucial entry and exit point for Anantnag town, experiences heavy traffic throughout the day. However, with only a single bridge in place, commuters face long traffic snarls, especially during peak hours.
Locals, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that despite the growing volume of vehicles over the years, the authorities have taken no concrete steps to address the issue.
“This bridge has become a nightmare for commuters. Every day, we spend hours stuck in traffic. A parallel bridge is not a luxury anymore—it is the need of the hour,” said a local shopkeeper.
Residents described the junction as a “bottleneck” that brings traffic movement to a near standstill on a daily basis.
“Ambulances, school buses, and office-goers all get trapped here. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes and sometimes even hours just to cross this stretch,” said another commuter, adding that the situation worsens during the morning and evening rush hours.
Many locals alleged that the issue has been ignored for decades, accusing elected representatives and the municipal council of failing to act. “We have been hearing promises for years, but nothing has changed on the ground. The MLA and Municipal Council seem to be in a deep slumber while people continue to suffer,” said a resident of the area.
Drivers and transporters also expressed frustration, saying the congestion leads to fuel wastage and delays in reaching destinations.
“This single bridge cannot handle the increasing traffic load anymore. If a parallel bridge is constructed, it will significantly reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” said a local driver.
The residents said that the same route is used for Amarnath Yatra and there is a need for a parallel bridge to cater for the rush. They have urged the administration to prioritise the project and initiate immediate steps for the construction of a parallel bridge to decongest the area and ensure smooth vehicular movement.
The situation may worsen further in the coming years, given the rapid increase in vehicular traffic in the region, locals said, seeking the immediate attention of district’s MLAs, along with DC Anantnag—(KNO)