SRINAGAR Dec 20(KNS) - The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has expressed support for the recently implemented Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) while simultaneously highlighting critical concerns about the lack of parking facilities across Srinagar's commercial areas.

KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar welcomed the administration's efforts to improve traffic management but emphasized the pressing challenges faced by local businesses due to insufficient parking infrastructure. "While any step taken for efficient management of traffic is welcome and must be encouraged, Kashmir, particularly Srinagar markets, are facing a peculiar problem of parking," Shahdhar stated. "Around 90 per cent of our market areas are without parking facilities, which means that if a customer parks their vehicle on the roadside, it is bound to get challaned."

Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel38;margin-top:0.0pt;margin-bottom:0.0pt;">The situation is particularly severe in Srinagar's downtown area, where traders have reported significant declines in business activity due to parking constraints. "We have received numerous representations from traders in downtown Srinagar where business establishments are witnessing a dip in business due to lack of parking," Shahdhar noted.

The trade body has urged the administration to implement effective measures to address the parking crisis in market areas, suggesting that the success of the ITMS initiative should be complemented by adequate parking infrastructure to support local commerce.(KNS)