No traffic signals on busy intersections add to chaos on city roads

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 28

The civic authorities have failed to install traffic signals at many intersections in the city despite a considerable increase in flow of traffic. It seems that the commuters have been left in lurch as they are forced to travel in a haphazard way without caring for traffic norms. It often causes accidents, besides putting lives of commuters in danger.

Absence of traffic signals at many intersections makes traffic unmanageable. There is rampant encroachment and haphazard parking on city roads, which adds to commuters woes.

Over the years, there has been rise in the traffic in the city. However, the response of the authorities concerned to the changing requirement of the city is extremely slow.

There are points where traffic signals are lying defunct. What intrigues the residents is why signals are missing at many spots leaving the traffic unguarded.

Ghala Mala Chowk, bifurcation of Majitha Road between Circular Road and Guru Nank Dev Hospital, Circular Road leading to Jammuwali Road, GT Road, road outside Khalsa College for Women and Khalsa College, and old Octroi Post Chowk are a few places where there is an urgent requirement for traffic signals.

Thousands of students face problems in the absence of traffic lights. The administration has never bothered to take adequate measures to manage traffic. Another busy crossing on Court Road and Link Road, which lies on Mall Road, where Green Avenue and Kennedy Avenue are situated, is also without signals. The traffic has increased from the time the multi-storey shopping malls came up in the city.

At Thandi Khuhi Chowk, an entrance to historic Ram Bagh, there is no traffic signal despite the heavy rush. The requirement of a traffic signal can also be felt on Maqbool Road leading to Race Course Road. A busy Rani Bagh Road, leading to Mc Leod Road, is also without traffic signal.

Except crossings guarded by traffic policemen, commuters do not follow rules at the rest of the light points in the city. People need to be educated to obey traffic signals for their own safety.

When contacted, Mayor, Bakshi Ram Arora said the matter was brought to the notice of the House. He said, “As soon as the MC receives grant under the development projects for the city, some part of it will be diverted for installation of new traffic lights.” He rued that the people were not ready to pay taxes, but sought all kind of amenities.