Residents want combined efforts to solve traffic problem

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 21 

Though the holy city is on the verge of receiving a smart city makeover, it seems that there is no solution to the problem of traffic snarls. 

Lack of traffic management has added to the woes of the residents. There is a need to put in efforts for the smooth flow of traffic on the city roads.  

Traffic mismanagement could be witnessed at various stretches in the city, be it the walled city or the outer areas such as the stretch from the bus stand to Gurdwara Saheeda Sahib, Railway Link Road, Pultighar and Kt. Jaimal Singh.

The residents facing the problem on a daily basis not only hope for better traffic management, but they also seek a collective effort to solve the problem. Demanding an efficient infrastructure, along with an effective procedure to remove encroachments, Dr Rakesh Sharma, founder president of city-based NGO, Voice of Amritsar (VOA), said, “The need of the hour is that everyone should come forward to solve the problem of traffic congestion. The city is in dire need of a proper infrastructure to ensure the smooth flow of heavy traffic. Moreover, there is a need to remove illegal encroachments. There is no denial in the fact that police officials should perform their duties more efficiently.”

Insisting that the students can play a major role in creating awareness on the traffic rules among the youth, principal DAV Public School Neera Sharma said, “The traffic police should be more careful while dealing with traffic violators. Students with the help and guidance of the traffic police can come forward to manage traffic at important intersections. This will prove to be helpful in regulating traffic. The youth should be apprised of the rules. There is also a need to change the mindset of the people.” 

Stressing on the need for change in the mindsets along with stern action, Gunbir Singh, founder of Dilbir Foundation, said, “The present traffic mannerism is confusing and exhibits complete lack of discipline. The regulators will have to take stern action without any fear. People will have to change themselves for better traffic management.”