Jammu Traffic Chaos Deepens as Darbar Move Returns: Flood-Hit Roads Still Await Repair
Flood Damage, Darbar Move, and VVIP Restrictions Combine to Paralyze Jammu’s Traffic Flow
Jammu, 07-11-2025: As winter approaches and the Darbar Move from Srinagar to Jammu brings administrative functioning back to the winter capital, the traffic situation in Jammu city has once again turned chaotic. The condition of internal roads and the heavy vehicular load across major routes raise serious questions about the preparedness and efficiency of the concerned authorities.
It has been more than two months since the devastating floods of August 24–28 wreaked havoc across several parts of Jammu province. The deluge not only caused immense damage to property but also crippled essential infrastructure, particularly the road network. Unfortunately, even after such a long period, no substantial restoration work has been completed on several key routes.
One of the most crucial links — the 4th Bridge at Bhagwati Nagar over the Tawi River—remains non-functional for vehicular movement, forcing traffic from Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor belts to divert through the already overburdened Canal Road, resulting in massive traffic jams that last for hours.
The ongoing Baba Jattoo Mela at Village Jourian has further increased the vehicular pressure, while the shifting of government offices due to the Darbar Move has added another layer of congestion to the city roads. The situation worsens during peak hours, with commuters and school children bearing the brunt of poor traffic regulation and damaged internal roads.
Adding to the public inconvenience, whenever there is a VVIP movement, the general public faces long delays. Roads are closed, traffic is halted, and even short distances that normally take 20 minutes stretch to 40–50 minutes. The public, however, is not opposed to VVIP movement—their presence is significant, particularly for official, educational, and cultural functions. But at the same time, the general public should not be made to suffer unnecessarily.
Although some restoration work has now been initiated, it must be time-bound and well-planned to ensure early relief to the citizens. Random or delayed repairs without coordination between departments will only worsen the chaos.
It is high time for the authorities, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Traffic Police, and Jammu Municipal Corporation, to coordinate a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- Immediate restoration and reopening of the 4th Bridge.
- Repair and widening of internal and connecting roads.
- Deployment of additional traffic personnel at key choke points.
- A temporary and scientific diversion plan during festivals, VVIP movements, and administrative transitions.
The people of Jammu expect prompt and visible action before the situation escalates into a civic crisis. Efficient traffic management and swift road restoration are not just matters of convenience but essential indicators of good governance and administrative accountability.
