Chandigarh: Madhya Marg to have 12 designated stops for autos

In a bid to streamline traffic movement and enhance road safety, the UT Administration has decided to establish designated halting points for autorickshaws for picking and dropping passengers on the busy Madhya Marg. The initiative, being rolled out on a pilot basis, aims to prevent accidents caused by unauthorised stopping of autorickshaws on one of the busiest roads in the city.

The project will cover the stretch between Transport Chowk and PGIMER Chowk, with 12 designated points planned along Madhya Marg.

The route witnesses heavy vehicular movement, making it prone to accidents, especially when autorickshaws stop abruptly to pick or drop the passengers.

The issue was raised multiple times at the Road Safety Committee meeting, leading to the decision to regulate the halting of autos. “On a pilot basis, 12 designated points have been identified on Madhya Marg where autorickshaws will be allowed to stop in order to pick and the drop passengers,” said an official.

“The sudden halting of autorickshaws has become a major safety concern as the practice causes several accidents,” he added.

The Engineering Department of the Administration has already floated a tender for the project, which is expected to be completed within two months at an estimated cost of Rs 13.15 lakh.

The State Transport Authority (STA) will enforce strict compliance once the halting points are operational. The autorickshaws found stopping outside the designated zones will face penalty. The action aims at ensuring smoother traffic flow and improved road safety.

If the pilot project proves successful, the administration plans to extend the initiative to other key routes across the city.

Pilot project

• The project that is being rolled out on a pilot basis will cover the stretch between Transport Chowk and PGIMER Chowk
• Engineering Dept has floated tender for the Rs 13.15 lakh project that is expected to complete in two months
• Autorickshaws found stopping outside the designated zones to be penalised