Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan today convened a meeting to review utilization of holding area for trucks at Pantha Chowk and status of shifting of General Bus Stand (GBS) Batamaloo to New Bus terminal Parimpora. Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, MD JKSRTC, RTO Kashmir, DSP Traffic, Chief Engineer R&B, Executive Engineers PDD & PHE, Joint Commissioner SMC, Representative from SDA, Deputy Director Planning and other concerned attended the meeting.The meeting was informed that 16 kanals of land adjacent to Pantha Chowk belonging to SDA was identified for utilization of parking area for trucks near the Highway.The Divisional Commissioner directed the SDA officials to develop the area and hand over it to Traffic Department. He also asked the SDA to construct barricades at the entry and exit points of the area.Khan also announced Pantha Chowk to Nowgam highway stretch as no parking zone. He directed the Traffic Department to ensure that no truck is parked on this stretch and directed them to take strict action against the violators.
The meeting was also informed about measures being taken to decongest city from traffic jams particularly shifting of General Bus Stand (GBS) Batamaloo to New Bus terminal Parimpora. It was said that the process is underway and the shifting will be completed soon.The Div Com directed SDA officers to construct hall, office space for bus operators, passenger sheds, toilets and other facilities at the new Bus Terminal Parimpora within 15 days so that the commuters travelling from various outstation districts do not face any inconvenience.He also directed PHE engineers to provide round the clock water supply and PDD engineers were also asked to ensure uninterrupted electricity to the new Bus terminal.Khan asked SMC to deploy enforcement team in the area and clear all encroachments quickly so that passengers walk freely at the new bus terminal. It was said that SMC will also construct additional lavatory blocks at the terminal under Swachh Bharat Mission.On the occasion, the Div Com constituted a team of officers from RTO, SDA, SMC and Traffic Department which will report to Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar on daily basis about the day to day progress of Shifting of GBS Batamaloo to New Bus Terminal Parimpora.