Despite mishaps, unchecked movement of heavy vehicles raises alarm in Jalandhar

The movement of heavy vehicles during restricted hours continues unabated in the city, raising concerns about public safety and the enforcement of traffic laws. Despite several accidents, including the tragic death of a young man two days ago after a tractor-trailer hit him from behind and fled, the authorities appear indifferent to addressing the issue.

Heavy vehicles such as trucks and tippers blatantly disregard the daytime entry ban, with their presence a common sight on city roads. Over the past months, several fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles have been reported. In October, Vishal, a Class VI student of Nehru Children Senior Secondary School, died after being struck by a truck near Ghas Mandi on Kala Sanghiya Road. Earlier, in August, 13-year-old Avi Malhotra lost his life in Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, when his scooter collided with a truck after the driver suddenly applied the brakes.

Other accident hotspots, including Nakodar Road, Kapurthala Road, Pathankot Bypass, Lamba Pind Chowk and Workshop Chowk, remain perilous, with residents and commuters voicing growing frustration over the authorities’ inaction.

“Despite the chaos and risks, these vehicles create on city roads, they continue to ply during daytime with impunity, even under the nose of the traffic police,” said a local.

Industrialists and social activists have also raised concerns. According to local industrialists, they have repeatedly highlighted the dangers posed by illegal parking and the unrestricted movement of heavy vehicles, particularly during the restricted hours of 7 am to 10 pm.

“Transport Nagar was developed by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust in 1994 to centralise transport activities. However, many transporters have relocated their booking offices and warehouses to the Industrial Area and Patel Chowk side, exacerbating traffic congestion and risking lives,” said a business

owner.

Social activist Kamlesh Sharda said while the city police had initiated measures such as creating no-tolerance zones, the unchecked movement of heavy vehicles undermined these efforts.

“The authorities must act promptly to prevent further tragedies and prioritise the safety of commuters,” he said.

ADCP (Traffic) Amandeep Kaur said they had been taking stringent action against violators. She clarified that officials had been deployed to monitor heavy vehicle movement inside the city, but those plying on roads close to highways and vehicles such as oil trucks with permissions were exempted from

restrictions.

Kaur also said they had written to the Municipal Corporation, requesting strict enforcement to prevent trucks carrying construction materials and tractor-trailers for garbage from operating during peak hours or school timings.