A severe parking crisis near popular bakery outlets in the Natipora area of Srinagar is creating chaos on burgeoning and already narrow streets, causing mounting frustration among motorists, residents, and shopkeepers alike.
Shoppers visiting local bakeries and sweet shops during peak hours have turned roads into unofficial parking lots—often stopping mid-road to quickly grab items—leading to frequent gridlocks. “There is no place to park, and people end up stopping in the middle of the road just to quickly grab items. It’s chaos every evening,” remarked Bilal Ahmad, a local resident
Traffic officials admit that limited resources and the shortage of dedicated parking zones exacerbate the problem. “We’ve deployed personnel in some key areas, but the lack of designated parking is a structural problem. People are also not cooperating and continue to park illegally,” said a senior traffic department officer
The congested Natipora–Rambagh stretch has become notorious for daily traffic jams, particularly during Eid and festival seasons when bakery footfall spikes. Vehicles often double-park or block roads entirely, slowing down traffic flow and restricting pedestrian movement
Natipora is not alone—Downtown Srinagar, encompassing Rajbagh, Nowhatta, Bohri Kadal, and Maharaj Gunj, is grappling with a chronic parking shortage. Increasing vehicle numbers, narrow lanes, and minimal infrastructure support have amplified congestion and affected trade in these commercial hubs .
Despite appeals from trade bodies like the Kashmir Trade Alliance, and suggestions for multi-level parking structures, authorities say space constraints hinder immediate solutions. “Parking remains a major challenge, particularly in older parts of the city. We are working to identify additional parking spaces, but Downtown presents unique difficulties due to high population density and limited available land,” admitted a Srinagar Municipal Corporation official
Rampant illegal parking also endangers pedestrians, who often end up navigating roads alongside moving vehicles. Sidewalks are blocked; emergency vehicles find it difficult to maneuver; and schoolchildren face added risk during peak hours around tuition centres and schools
Both residents and traders urge the authorities to explore urgent measures—temporary parking zones, dedicated two-wheeler bays, clearer enforcement of no-parking zones, and improved coordination with shopkeepers and traffic police. Some locals also suggest designated layby spaces and improved public transport connectivity to ease pressure.
Until structural solutions are implemented, Natipora’s narrow lanes in front of popular bakeries remain a daily battleground between convenience and chaos—a challenge that underscores the urgent need for coordinated urban planning in Srinagar.