HC tells NHAI to inspect Kharar-city road stretch : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

road safety

HC tells NHAI to inspect Kharar-city road stretch

CHANDIGARH: Driving at road safety, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to examine the absence of service lanes, signboards and other traffic-related issues on the stretch between Kharar and the Chandigarh entry point.



Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 27

Driving at road safety, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to examine the absence of service lanes, signboards and other traffic-related issues on the stretch between Kharar and the Chandigarh entry point. The NHAI has also been directed to examine the stretch between Zirakpur and Kalka before installing signboards assigning exit numbers.

Taking up the traffic regulation and road safety case, Justice Rajive Bhalla of the High Court directed: “The NHAI shall file an affidavit with respect to the stretch of the national highway between Kharar and the entry to Chandigarh, particularly with respect to the lack of any service lane, signages, etc.”

Justice Bhalla also took note of an affidavit stating that the four-laning of the Zirakpur-Rajpura-Patiala road would be completed within 18 months; and directed the PWD (B&R) to ensure installation of proper signages and creation of adequate slip roads during the laying of the highway for preventing inconvenience to the travellers.

The court was also told by the Zirakpur MC counsel that debris and construction material abutting the Baltana chowk and the area opposite showrooms would be removed and “land-levelled”.

Appearing before the court, counsel for the NHAI submitted that a comprehensive proposal for constructing drains and service lanes, wherever missing, on the Zirakpur-Panchkula road had been forwarded to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) on October 2. “The proposal is, however, awaiting approval”.

Responding to the assertion, counsel for MORTH prayed for time to seek instructions on the issue.

The High Court has already directed the Mohali police to initiate immediate action against vehicles parked along the stretch of the national highway passing through Zirakpur to ensure free flow of traffic under the flyover.

Justice Bhalla, on a previous date of hearing, had also asked the in charge of the Zirakpur traffic wing to ensure that vehicles were not parked in the service lanes constructed within the right of way (ROW) or on land of the national highway.

The MC counsel had, meanwhile, informed the court that efforts were being made to demarcate an area, public or private, where street vendors would be encouraged to vend their wares, at a location to be identified by the civic body.

Justice Bhalla had rapped the state of Punjab, Zirakpur MC, GMADA and the NHAI for unplanned urban development in the area.

Justice Bhalla had also asserted categorically that that the authorities were apparently indifferent to the plight of the travelling public. Blaming them for squabbling among themselves on inconsequential questions such as jurisdiction, Justice Bhalla had also called for the holding of a joint meeting for resolving daily traffic issues. Justice Bhalla added that the parties concerned were also dodging liability for the muddle beneath the Zirakpur flyover.

Top News

Arvind Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends

Excise policy case: Delhi court extends ED custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1

In his submissions, Kejriwal said, ‘I am named by 4 witnesse...

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

The bench refuses to comment on merits of the issue, saying ...

Explainer: Why BJP is flying solo in Punjab and Odisha

Explainer: Why BJP is flying solo in Punjab and Odisha

A multi-cornered contest is always advantageous for BJP; it ...

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, wife Gurpreet Kaur welcome baby girl

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann blessed with baby girl

Bhagwant Mann tied the knot with Dr Gurpreet Kaur from Pehow...


Cities

View All