KARGIL: The Kargil administration on Thursday initiated a comprehensive review of traffic management and urban mobility, with Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar directing departments and stakeholders to implement coordinated measures aimed at reducing congestion, streamlining vehicular movement and improving the town’s appeal for residents and tourists alike.
Chairing a high-level meeting attended by officials from the district administration, Traffic Police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO), Municipal authorities, representatives of the Merchant Association, Truck Union and other stakeholders, the Deputy Commissioner said efficient traffic management must go hand in hand with urban cleanliness and civic planning to support Kargil’s growing tourism sector.
The meeting focused on evolving a coordinated strategy for regulating the movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs), commercial vehicles and public transport to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow across the town.
Highlighting persistent congestion in key market areas, Rakesh Kumar called for regulating the movement of trucks and other heavy vehicles through designated timings and improved traffic management. He also stressed optimum utilisation of bypass routes to divert heavy traffic away from the town centre and ease pressure on busy roads.
The Deputy Commissioner directed stakeholders to ensure systematic movement of Indian Oil tankers and other heavy transport vehicles by implementing prescribed regulations and rotational arrangements, including a turn-wise mechanism wherever required, to minimise bottlenecks and maintain smooth traffic flow.
The issue of loading and unloading of goods by commercial vehicles also came under review, with the administration emphasising the need for a structured mechanism to prevent roadside obstructions and reduce traffic disruptions in commercial areas.
Stating that roads and highways passing through Kargil should remain free from encroachments and avoidable congestion, the Deputy Commissioner observed that orderly market spaces and efficient civic management are integral to enhancing the district’s image as a tourist destination. He said improved urban aesthetics and better-managed public spaces would contribute to a more favourable experience for visitors.
As part of broader urban improvement measures, Rakesh Kumar encouraged market representatives to promote tourism-oriented establishments, including souvenir outlets, cafés and similar businesses that add value to the visitor experience while supporting the local economy.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed municipal authorities to undertake a scientific survey of footpaths across the town and prepare a plan for their improvement with uniform design standards, appropriate height and greater pedestrian convenience.
To address traffic bottlenecks near educational institutions, he instructed the concerned departments to identify designated parking locations for school buses to prevent roadside parking and facilitate safer movement of vehicles. He further emphasised maintaining uninterrupted traffic along Circular Road by removing unnecessary obstructions and improving traffic regulation.
The meeting also reviewed proposals concerning the relocation of the town’s entry post and related municipal arrangements at Kharul, deployment of traffic marshals at critical junctions and strengthening inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation of traffic management measures.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner called upon all stakeholder departments and trade bodies to work in close coordination to develop a cleaner, more organised and tourist-friendly urban environment, observing that sustained cooperation would be essential for improving Kargil’s transport infrastructure and overall civic management.
