Open house: Is a separate VVIP route needed to avoid traffic hassles in amritsar?

Between dignity and democracy

Amritsar, the radiant heart of Punjab and a revered global destination, often witnesses paralysing traffic snarls during VVIP visits. The debate over establishing a separate corridor for dignitaries is not merely administrative — it is emblematic of how a democracy balances VVIP security, citizen convenience. While the protection of national leaders remains a non-negotiable duty, the right of citizens to unhindered mobility is equally sacred. Routine road closures, extended diversions, and prolonged halts for convoys disrupt livelihoods, dampen tourism, and erode public goodwill. Democracy loses its sheen when privilege

Overshadows public ease.

A visionary approach would include technologically managed, strategically planned, and aesthetically designed corridors. Smart signalling systems, artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic coordination, and timely digital advisories can harmonise both VVIP security and citizen convenience. Ultimately, governance must inspire respect, not resentment. A separate, intelligently crafted VVIP route in Amritsar can become a symbol of progressive urban governance, where efficiency, equity, and empathy converge to reflect the true spirit of a modern democracy.

Preetpal Singh Chhina

Arrangements for all, not only the privileged

India believes and follows the ‘atithi devo bhava’ (guest is God) philosophy. Also, in democratic countries, every citizen is considered supreme: everyone has equal rights to use all public facilities. However, with these rights, comes the responsibility of maintaining and taking care of these facilities. Maintaining roads, aerial spraying for mosquitoes control, and ensuring lifting of the garbage are some of these responsibilities, which are appreciable. Also among these is special arrangements made for VVIPs during their visits — for instance, having separate routes to avoid traffic congestion. However, the question is why do we not make these heightened traffic management efforts a routine practice, rather than making efforts only during special occasions, that too for a few privileged ones?

Vijay Laxmi

Common man’s time important too

Over time, cities have expanded, and life has become fast-paced. In today’s world, most people are busy juggling multiple things. To get everything accomplished in time, we have fast moving vehicles. We plan our chores meticulously. Any time wasted is trouble. We can, to a certain extent, predict the time we may take to travel to our destinations. However, VVIP movements stop or divert traffic, which is a problem as travel time, or the incidence of such events, cannot be predicted. Time is the most valuable for all, be it a minister or a common man.

In a city like Amritsar, traffic is a big issue. The condition of roads has — somewhat — improved. However, the lack of parking spaces, and haphazard parking still remain key issues.

A separate route for VVIP movement would leave lesser space on roads for common people. So, instead of solving a problem, we’d be creating another on. The solution of any problem lies in its roots. It is understood that VVIP movement is important. But the process should be as quick as possible. I hope the people of Amritsar do not want even more lanes — like those for the bus rapid transit system (BRTS).

Dr Harish Khichy

Khas aadmi treatment is not viable

Amritsar frequently receives VVIP guests — be it political leaders, government officials or other important dignitaries. While the security and safety of these persons is essential, the strict traffic restrictions imposed by the district police during such visits often causes great inconvenience to the general public. Patients, students, shopkeepers and other daily commuters face unnecessary hardship. It is important that, along with ensuring security, the convenience of citizens is kept in mind. The following measures may help ease the situation:

Early morning visits: Visitors who need security should preferably visit the city early in the morning, when roads are relatively empty.

Prior notice: Information about ‘the VVIP routes’ should be spread in advance through the local radio, social media and news bulletins, so people can plan alternate routes.

Rolling cordons: The use of small traffic management systems — such as rolling security cordons — instead of complete road

closures can help reduce

public inconvenience.

Healthcare preparedness: Coordination with ambulance services, and maintaining key public transport routes open should be the standard.

Staggered visits: If multiple VVIPs are in town, their visits can be staggered, instead of simultaneous, to prevent a citywide traffic paralysis.

Above all, maintaining a minimal disturbance protocol — already in practice in some major Indian cities — would ensure a more citizen friendly administration without compromising the safety and security of ‘khas aadmi’ visitors. Also, a separate channel for VVIP visits, and its maintenance, won’t be economically or ecologically viable.

Dr Bholla Singh Sidhu

Separate route a

must for the area

The number of vehicles in the city is increasing by the day. Crowds on roads, and people having to wait to reach their destinations become familiar sights when VVIPs visit the area. Common people are subjected to harassment. This becomes especially troublesome for patients (including women in labour), even those in ambulances. Reaching schools, colleges, examination centres, and interviews can also be delayed due to VVIP visits — potentially jeopardising careers. Therefore, the state government should make a separate route, so that common people are not disturbed. The separate route should be used only for VVIPs. When there are no visiting VVIPs, the route should be used for ambulances, other vehicles ferrying patients, and candidates appearing for exams. This approach will be useful as common people would be less harassed.

Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal

What are elected leaders scared of?

VVIPs can be classified into two types: By virtue of inheritance, royalty for instance; and chosen representatives of the people in a democracy. Our VVIPs are representatives of the people. If they have lost their faith and are afraid of the people, why should they come and mingle with them? They should rather stay in their ivory towers. In today’s day and age, they can easily capture their messages on video, and post them onto the Internet from their safe spaces. So, why take the risk of travelling by road in public? In a democracy, VVIP culture needs full condemnation and not encouragement, otherwise sycophants, for their selfish interest, would obliterate the difference between elected leaders and VVIPs by inheritance. The creation of a route for them, in the name of public convenience, would be a blow to democracy.

SS Chahal

PLAN movement

in non-peak hours

Amritsar is a historic walled city. The main attraction here is Golden Temple, situated in the heart of the city. One has to use main roads of the city to reach there. Whenever a VVIPs visits Amritsar, his/her priority is always to go to the Golden Temple to seek divine blessings. During these visits, long traffic jams are witnessed, and roads are blocked much before VVIPs’ arrivals. Ambulances, school buses and office-goers are often stuck in these snarls, causing immense hardship. While the security of important persons is essential, it should not come at the cost of public convenience. The administration should plan such movements during non-peak hours, and ensure minimal disruption to normal life. The use of alternate routes and technology-based traffic management can also reduce public discomfort. I hope the authorities will take necessary measures so the public convenience, and VVIPs

security can both be

maintained effectively.

Surinder Kumar Khanna

Separate path relief to patients, students

Amid Amritsar’s growing traffic congestion problem, VVIP movement is a frequent source of inconvenience to residents. When roads are blocked without adequate notice, commuters — especially patients and students — face unnecessary delays. A dedicated VVIP route could streamline movement and minimise sudden road closures. Such a system would also help the police manage security more efficiently by reducing traffic on the city’s busiest routes. However, creating a separate corridor requires careful planning, land feasibility and budget justification. If designed well, it could balance citizen convenience with security imperatives, and reduce routine disruptions that currently frustrate the public during

high-profile visits.

Amit Kumar

security PLANNING

key in border city

As a border city with major religious and tourist sites, Amritsar often hosts dignitaries requiring high-level security. A dedicated VVIP route could significantly reduce security vulnerabilities by providing controlled access and predictable movement. Currently, last-minute diversions expose VVIP convoys to crowds and increase risks for both officials and civilians. A specialised corridor would allow security forces to monitor a fixed pathway ensuring rapid response in emergencies. Critics argue that prioritising VVIPs over ordinary citizens may seem unfair, but, in high-risk zones, structured security planning is essential. The challenge lies in balancing safety with everyday mobility needs.

Arvinder Singh

Solution needed, but not on taxpayer money

From a public standpoint, VVIP movement often causes unplanned roadblocks that disrupt daily routines. People rushing to hospitals, offices or schools get stuck in long traffic jams, sometimes for 30–40 minutes. Many residents feel these disruptions reflect imbalance, where ordinary citizens’ time seems less important. A dedicated VVIP route could reduce such interruptions and allow people to move freely without sudden diversions. Still, citizens fear that the government might spend huge sums on a route used only occasionally. The public wants solutions that do not come at the cost of essential services or taxpayer money.

Vinod Sharma

Human life

over protocol

Area residents often complain that VVIP traffic restrictions delay ambulances, fire services and emergency response vehicles. Even a few minutes of delay can risk lives. Residents argue that if VVIPs had a separate, secure corridor, emergency services would not be forced to wait at barricades or navigate detours. Public sentiment strongly supports measures that prioritise human life over protocol. While many understand the need for VVIP security, they believe it should not come at the expense of someone’s medical emergency. A dedicated route, used only when required, could balance security arrangements and public welfare.

Sukhwinder Singh

what’s the issue?

A mritsar is no stranger to frequent traffic disruptions caused by VVIP convoys. When high-profile visitors travel, roads are often blocked or diverted for security reasons, leaving commuters hassled. This raises questions over whether a separate route exclusively for VVIPs is needed.

QUESTION for next week

The onset of winters has led to a surge in kite flying. Previous efforts to curb the use of acrylic string — which often causes injuries — did not elicit positive results. What measures should be taken to curb the menace?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (November 13)