Panchkula Sector 5 turns fitness zone, morning traffic curbs from today

The Panchkula traffic police have announced that Sector 5 will be closed to vehicular movement for 90 minutes every morning, transforming the area into a dedicated fitness zone from tomorrow onwards.

ACP (Traffic) Surender Singh said with immediate effect, the entire stretch behind Shalimar Ground, near the Night Food Market, past the Parade Ground, behind the HAFED building, in front of the protest site, up to the rear of BellaVista, and back towards the slip road near the Food Market and the park-side road would remain fully closed to general traffic from 6 am to 7.30 am daily until further notice.

Panchkula Police Commissioner Sibash Kabiraj said the decision follows instructions from Haryana DGP OP Singh, who originally launched the “Keep Calm Square” initiative, when he served as Panchkula Police Commissioner. The initiative had, at that time, turned Sector 5 into a car-free zone in the early morning hours, enabling residents to walk, jog, practise yoga and engage in other fitness activities in a peaceful, traffic-free and pollution-free environment. The move was widely welcomed by the public, prompting its reintroduction.

Officials said the step was taken to enhance convenience, health and safety of local residents, allowing them to pursue their morning fitness routines without noise, congestion or emissions. DGP OP Singh is known for actively promoting fitness. He regularly encourages police personnel, young people and the public to adopt healthy lifestyles.

The traffic police have urged motorists to avoid these routes between 6 am and 7.30 am and to cooperate fully by adhering to diversions and regulations.