Chandigarh DC recommends pedestrian-centric traffic signal timers

To ensure pedestrian safety, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nishant Kumar Yadav has recommended the installation of traffic lights with countdown timers at key crossings.

“These timers will assist pedestrians in assessing safe crossing durations, particularly aiding children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities,” he said, while chairing a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee here today.

The meeting was convened to enhance road safety and ensure safer urban mobility. It focussed on the urgent need for enhanced traffic regulation, pedestrian safety, and infrastructure improvements across the city.

During the meeting, it was informed that the necessary administrative and financial approval for laying a cycle track on Purv Marg has been obtained and the work on it will start shortly.

The DC emphasised the immediate need to establish ‘No Honking’ zones around hospitals and educational institutions. “Excessive honking contributes to noise pollution, which is particularly detrimental in areas requiring silence and concentration,” he said, adding that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to promote responsible driving behaviour and create noise-sensitive zones across Chandigarh.

To reduce speeding and improve vehicle control at the city’s major entry points, the committee urged upon the installation of rumble strips. These traffic-calming devices will alert drivers and help in speed moderation as they enter urban areas, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

The DC directed the concerned departments to identify and promptly replace batteries in non-functional blinkers across all major roads. Blinkers play a crucial role in night time and low-visibility traffic management.

“Ensuring safe and accessible roads is a shared responsibility. With these actionable steps, we aim to make Chandigarh not only smarter but significantly safer for every citizen—whether on foot, on two wheels or behind the wheel,” he said.

The SSP (Traffic & Security), the Chief Engineer and senior officials from the Municipal Corporation, and the Chief Architect were present at the meeting.