On February 25, 2026, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, laid the foundation stone for the “Bab-ul-Sultan-ul-Arifeen” gate at Rainawari Chowk in Srinagar. Efforts to beautify historic localities are always welcome. Yet such moments offer an opportunity to think beyond symbolism and reflect on how the entire space around the Chowk can be improved for the people who use it every single day.

Rainawari Chowk is not just another traffic junction. It lies at an important point in the city’s daily movement, connecting neighborhoods, commuters, patients visiting the nearby hospital, shopkeepers, and residents who cross the junction countless times each day.

Fortunately, the Chowk also has sufficient space which, if planned and managed properly, could transform the area into a far more organized and people-friendly urban square. The real question is whether we can develop the vision to design and manage this space the way cities in developed countries do—where even ordinary junctions are carefully planned for safety, efficiency, and public convenience.

Unlike many congested parts of the city where space itself is the main constraint, Rainawari already has the physical room needed for sensible improvements. What is required is not massive construction, but thoughtful planning and disciplined management of the available space.

 A proper bus stop facility

One of the most practical improvements would be the creation of a designated mini bus........

© Greater Kashmir