Srinagar, May 11: A traffic awareness and school transport safety programme held in Srinagar underscored the need for stronger coordination between schools, transport authorities and civil society to ensure safer commuting for students.

Senior Traffic officials, including SSP Traffic Srinagar, outlined a data-driven and experimental approach to traffic management, highlighting “reversible changes” introduced on the basis of ground feedback, field observations and analytical review. He stressed that effective reforms in traffic regulation depend heavily on public participation and continuous engagement with citizens.
Chairman Chowdhary Group Showkat Chowdhary said the initiative was organised in response to growing concerns over school transportation safety. He appreciated the efforts of traffic authorities, stating that despite infrastructural and resource limitations, significant improvements had been achieved in traffic regulation and urban mobility.
He announced that the institution had developed a dedicated parking and transport regulation system within its campus to ensure safe boarding and deboarding of students, urging other educational institutions to adopt similar mechanisms and formally register school-linked transport vehicles.
CCIK President Tariq Ghani praised the visible improvements in Srinagar’s traffic system, particularly in Downtown areas, noting that senior traffic officers were now actively monitoring ground conditions. He called for stricter regulation of school vans, mandatory registration of vehicles, and display of complaint numbers to enhance accountability and safety.
Chairman Kashmir Road Safety Foundation Nasir Ali Khan described the initiative as timely and essential, noting that rapid urbanisation, Smart City works and infrastructural changes have added pressure on traffic systems. He called for long-term planning, disciplined driving practices and stronger public cooperation.
IDPS Principal S.M.F. Andrabi highlighted the growing focus on school transport safety, including the introduction of regulated systems and yellow school buses. Quoting Allama Iqbal, he appreciated the proactive approach of traffic authorities in preventing accidents rather than reacting after incidents occur. He also raised concerns over unsafe private transport practices and called for structured parking and gate-pass systems for school premises.
Journalist Emaad Makhdoomi praised the awareness efforts and stressed the importance of promoting discipline and safety among children through such initiatives.
The programme began with a student-led prayer and included an interactive session where students engaged directly with officials on traffic discipline and road safety. It concluded with a vote of thanks acknowledging all participants and organisers.
The event reinforced a collective message that child safety in transport is a shared responsibility of authorities, schools, parents, transport operators and society at large, aiming to build a safer and more disciplined commuting environment for students across the Valley.