SAD protest rally throws traffic out of gear

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 7

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Zabar Virodhi rally at Mehmadpur village created traffic snarls on Sunday, which inconvenienced commuters. People were caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic jams on the Patiala-Sangrur highway owing to the SAD rally. Teachers protest in the Patiala further added to the woes of residents.

For many motorists, it took over two hours to cross the rally venue near Mehmadpur village. The traffic on the road almost came to a standstill as large number of buses ferrying SAD supporters reached the venue and blocked the stretch. 

The traffic police had put up boards to inform commuters about taking diversion on the Patiala-Sangrur road due to the rally. However, there was no diversion sign for the people coming from the Sangrur side. Besides, boards did not mention about the ongoing SAD rally ahead, which created problems for travellers. A few PRTC buses, coming from the Sangrur side, were stuck in traffic jams.

“Politicians are to be blamed most of the time for the traffic snarls in the city. In fact, they (politicians) should experience what a common man has to face whenever there is such congestion in the city,” said Vikas, a motorist.

“I am waiting for the past one hour to cross the rally venue. My five-year-old son is thirsty. Thankfully, a SAD party supporter from the rally has given us a bottle of water,” said a family travelling to Bathinda. 

In the city, commuters alleged that there was harassment due to the teachers protest near Dukhinwaran Sahib Gurdwara. The Patiala- Sirhind road was blocked till the evening, which gave a harrowing time to city dwellers.

“Every second day, there is a protest in the city. People of Patiala are being harassed due to these protests. The state government should find some alternative to solve this issue,” said Amrinder Singh, a city resident.