New slip roads, revamped intersections on cards to streamline traffic in Panchkula

Detailed discussions were held on ways to strengthen the traffic system, reduce road accidents and address congestion issues during a meeting held recently under the leadership of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority.

A report prepared by the Punjab Engineering College team on the issues was also discussed during the meeting, which was attended by PMDA Additional CEO Vinay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic) Mukesh Malhotra, ACP Traffic Sukhar Pal Singh, Traffic Inspector Arun Kumar among other officials.

During the meeting, it was decided that the traffic system would be modernised on the lines of Chandigarh. Under this, important decisions were taken to reduce traffic accidents in the city, facilitate vehicle movement, and make traffic control and safety more effective.

Now, crucial decisions have been made regarding decongesting crowded intersections, ensuring smooth traffic flow, constructing slip roads at necessary locations, and installing traffic signboards.

Roadmap laid

for first phase

It was decided in the meeting that in the first phase, the route near Chandigarh-Kalka Highway at Sector 6/7, passing through Panchkula’s Sectors 5/8, 5/9, 5/10, 4/11, and reaching Sector 4/12 near Zirakpur-Shimla Highway, will be improved.

As part of these improvements, Geeta Chowk will be renovated, including the construction of four slip roads. Additionally, the intersections of Sectors 5/8 and 5/9 will be converted into squares, along with improvements to these roads.

The Tawa Chowk will also be renovated, including the construction of four slip roads. Two slip roads will be built in Sector 4/11 as well.

Traffic signal boards will be installed at these important intersections to ensure compliance with traffic rules.

Similarly, in the second phase, the route passing through Chandigarh-Kalka Highway near Sector 1/6, further passing through Sectors 2/5, 4/5, 10/11, 14/15, and reaching Industrial Phase I and II, will be renovated for better traffic management. In the third phase, the Housing Board Chowk near Sector 7/18, passing through Sectors 8/17, 9/16, 10/15, 11/14, and reaching 12/12A near Zirakpur Highway, will be improved.

In the second and third phases, improvements will be made similar to the first phase to ensure better traffic management.

Officials from the police department also provided important suggestions to reduce road accidents and make the traffic system more effective.

The initiative will play a significant role in modernizing and streamlining the city’s traffic system, providing relief to citizens and promoting road safety.

Congestion hotspots in focus

The areas in the city that experience frequent traffic congestion in the morning and evening have been identified. These include the route from Singh Dwar to Chandigarh, Belle Vista Chowk, Sectors 11/15, 17/18, and Amartex Chowk. Necessary measures will be taken to ensure smooth traffic flow on the routes. Discussions were also held regarding the widening of the service lane from Singh Dwar to Mansa Devi and Old Panchkula to maintain smooth flow of vehicles.

Curbing road mishaps

At Amartex Chowk, located near the industrial area, frequent road accidents occur due to the heavy movement of vehicles and laborers. Considering this, a slip lane will be constructed here to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles. Additionally, traffic lights will be installed at key locations, including Kohni Sahib Gurudwara (Mansa Devi), Hafed Chowk, DI Cut Sector-14 Women’s College T-Point, and Sector 17/18.