Pipe-laying work: Chaos in Industrial Area, sectors

Traffic on the Zirakpur-Chandigarh road remained disrupted for the second consecutive day today due to the ongoing water pipeline-laying work near the Tribune Chowk on the Dakshin Marg.

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Vehicles coming from Zirakpur were diverted to Industrial Area, Phase-II, leading to snarl-ups in the area and Sector 31. The traffic police blockade near the Poultry Farm Chowk, which started at 10 am, lasted until late evening, causing a lot of inconvenience to motorists throughout the day, especially during the peak hours in the evening. The diversion led to jams in internal roads of the Industrial Area and nearby sectors.

Damanjeet, who was caught in a jam in the afternoon, said it took him over 30 minutes to navigate an alternative route as all roads were choked with traffic. Several other commuters shared similar experiences, stating that the situation was chaotic, with vehicles moving bumper to bumper. Many were seen making desperate attempts switching lanes to find shortcuts.

The absence of adequate traffic personnel at key junctions added to the commuters’ woes. A few traffic policemen deployed at the junctions were unable to control the overwhelming number of vehicles. The lack of clear signage about diversions and alternative routes further compounded the problem. Several commuters complained about the poor planning and coordination between the authorities.

The congestion persisted till late evening. Sahil, a resident of Baltana, said it took him around 45 minutes to travel from the Hallo Majra light point to Sector 29 in the evening. He expressed frustration over the lack of proper traffic management in such situations. There were no adequate arrangements by the police to regulate the heavy flow of vehicles on alternative routes, he added. On Tuesday, the road towards Zirakpur was closed at the Tribune Chowk.

According to the Municipal Corporation, the road was closed due to the laying of a pipeline from the waterworks, Sector 39, to Chandimandir, which passes through the Dakshin Marg near the Tribune Chowk.