Irked over traffic jams, Dhakoli residents demand underpass

Satinder Pal Singh

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Dhakoli, November 13

The construction of an underpass at the Dhakoli railway crossing is increasingly becoming a necessity as the Dhakoli road regularly gets choked with traffic during the peak hours.

The stretch has become a major traffic bottleneck and the problem aggravates in the evening. Long queues of stranded vehicles inconvenience people, especially students and patients.

With several apartment projects completed and others underway, the density of population is likely to increase in these areas which will make the development of this road a necessity. The level crossing remains closed for long duration daily, as more than 20 trains ply on the rail section. This spells traffic chaos on the road.

The situation is particularly bad in the morning and evening hours, when one gets caught in traffic jams which last up to 20 minutes or more. The absence of traffic personnel at the level crossing aggravates the problems of the commuters.

Local residents demand the construction of an underpass here, as the road is witnessing several accidents. Sources said the residents had raised the issue earlier also, but the authorities had been unable to find a solution.

RajKumar, a shopkeeper, said dispute among commuters was a common sight here as the road witnesses heavy traffic throughout the day. “Traffic is heavy, as it is the main road connecting vehicles to the other parts of the city,” he said. Dhakoli resident Charanjeet Singh said it was difficult to pass through the manned level crossing and he always avoided the road. The absence of traffic policemen compounded the problem, he said.

“The only viable solution to cope with frequent traffic snarls is the construction of an underpass, as hundreds of commuters remain stranded when the railway crossing is closed,” said Dalbir Singh, another resident.

Kulwinder Sohi, president, Municipal Council, Zirakpur, said they had already written to the railway authorities regarding the construction of an underpass and were waiting for their reply.