Repeated traffic congestion around Bhagtanwala grain market bane of city commuters

The Bhagtanwala grain market area has become a major traffic bottleneck, with trucks and tractor-trailers parked outside the market premises leading to frequent jams. The problem, residents and shopkeepers warn, is likely to worsen in the coming days as the paddy harvesting season gathers momentum and more produce starts arriving in the market.

The roads around the market remain choked for several hours each day as vehicles loaded with grains wait for unloading and auction. With no designated parking space for trucks, drivers are forced to line up on the roadside, spilling on to the main thoroughfare. This not only disrupts smooth traffic flow, but also causes inconvenience to pedestrians and commuters.

Shopkeepers in the vicinity complain that the congestion has badly affected their business. “Customers avoid coming here because of the traffic mess. Even small vehicles find it difficult to pass through,” said a trader whose shop is located near the market gate.

Local residents also express concern about safety. “Vehicles often get stuck. If this continues during peak season, it could lead to serious emergencies,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident of a nearby colony.

The shopkeepers and residents have demanded that the administration should take urgent steps to streamline traffic. Suggestions include creating a designated parking zone for trucks, regulating the timing of vehicle entry and deploying more traffic police personnel during busy hours.

While the market committee officials acknowledge the problem, they say space constraints are a major hurdle. However, they assured that discussions are underway with the municipal and traffic authorities to find a workable solution before the bulk of paddy arrivals begin.