Ambala bets on new Bank Square to end Cantt’s daily traffic gridlock

Congested lanes in Ambala Cantonment continue to trouble commuters, with banks operating from scattered locations and lacking dedicated parking spaces. Employees and customers are left with no option but to park on the roadside, creating constant bottlenecks in the narrow lanes. Many vehicles remain parked beyond the white line for hours, leaving little room for traffic to move smoothly.

Commuter Jagmohan Sukhija said vehicles, especially four-wheelers, often line both sides of the road throughout the day, forcing other commuters to squeeze through dangerously narrow gaps. He added that banks must have their own parking areas as they attract a large number of visitors daily.

Relief is expected once the under-construction Bank Square-cum-Shopping Mall — spread across 3.97 acres — is completed. The project will house 32 banks under one roof, offering dedicated parking and safer, more organised access. However, the Rs 87-crore project, launched in 2020, has faced multiple delays due to funding and design changes. The first phase, now costing Rs 111 crore, is reportedly 85 per cent complete.

Haryana minister Anil Vij said the modern complex will bring together major banks of Ambala Cantonment, improve security and ease traffic pressure. Administrative approval of Rs 64.47 crore has been granted for Phase II and tenders will be invited soon. The second phase includes a four-storey building, 100 showrooms — 32 earmarked for banks — a 450-seat auditorium, office spaces and rooftop food courts. Authorities expect both phases to be completed within a year, after which the shifting of banks will begin.