Implement no-vehicle zones, encourage public transit use

Traffic management strategies needed

Establishing car/vehicle-free zones in cities like Jalandhar could indeed be beneficial for addressing the ongoing traffic and parking issues while promoting trade and tourism. Such pedestrian-first areas prioritise public access over vehicles and may transform congested streets into vibrant, walkable public spaces, creating more pedestrian-friendly shopping areas. This has the potential to increase foot traffic and sales for local businesses. Enhanced public accessibility to shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, and other services could promote regional economic activity, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. These measures, if implemented even on a trial basis, could facilitate exploration of Jalandhar's attractions, including Pushpa Gujral Science City. However, the implementation of such zones requires the creation of adequate parking facilities, accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists, along with effective traffic management strategies to redirect vehicular traffic and minimize disruptions. A thorough planning and analysis process is necessary to assess the city's infrastructure, traffic patterns, and local needs to identify the appropriate areas for car/vehicle-free zones, while engaging all the stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Dr Kulwant Singh Phull

Promote bicycles and walking

The ongoing traffic congestion has taken a significant toll on the city’s reputation among visitors and tourists. An uninterrupted flow of traffic seems to be a dream that’s a million years away. During the daily unorganised hustle and bustle of the city, a common man has lost the calm and cosy life they deserve. One suggestion has been to create vehicle/car-free zones around the city. Firstly, to discuss the obvious pros, vehicle-free zones can definitely create free spaces for people to walk through or stay without any fear of accidents. This can return Jalandhar to its former essence, and people will realise the charm of the city. Furthermore, instead of relying on cars or other motor vehicles, people should consider using bicycles and walking as a method of transportation. This will promote a healthier lifestyle for all and make the city fit as a whole. People will be more active and energetic with less laziness. Additionally, more people on foot means fewer cars, which equals less pollution. This can increase the air quality exponentially and, in turn, promote greenery. To make the no-vehicle zones look appealing, the whole area could be surrounded by various flora and fauna to provide a naturally beautified space with no vehicular interruption. These steps can make Jalandhar traffic- and pollution-free, with more fresh air to breathe.

Lakshit Jindal

Need for affordable parking facilities

With the increase in population and mounting materialistic pursuits, cities are getting crowded, especially prominent shopping places. With shrinking spaces due to the ever-increasing number of personal vehicles, almost all cities are grappling with the problem of overcrowding and congestion, leaving little space for free movement and parking of vehicles. With no immediate solution in sight, the administration needs to take short-term measures pending infrastructural improvement in the long run. For this, major shopping places and other popular city spots should be declared as ‘No Vehicle Zones’ with specific guidelines followed by their strict enforcement, including penalties. All basic facilities such as drinking water, sitting arrangements, sanitation, and toilets should be provided at such designated places. Adequate and affordable parking facilities are urgently required near such places. The provision of night shopping and staggered market timings are other effective measures to be considered. The ancillary roads leading to such busy and crowded destinations can be declared as ‘One-Way Traffic’ for vehicular traffic, with efficient handling of such restrictions.

Jagdish Chander

Strict parking regulations required

Parking problems are causing chaos throughout the city. Taking out a car has become a daily challenge, as finding proper parking is nearly impossible. This often leads to delays and wasted time, far beyond what anyone expects. The situation not only adds frustration for residents but also contributes to traffic congestion and environmental concerns due to vehicles idling while searching for a spot. Despite this ongoing issue, it’s surprising that the authorities have yet to take concrete action. With the city growing rapidly and the number of vehicles increasing each year, addressing the parking crisis should be treated as a top priority. Solutions such as multi-level parking facilities and stricter parking regulations must be considered. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. It’s time for the administration to step up and implement effective strategies to manage urban parking.

Rajat Kapoor

Parking shortage causes frustration

It feels like the number of cars has exceeded the number of people. Roads are overcrowded, making even short commutes time-consuming. Reaching a destination is only half the battle—finding a parking spot is often impossible. This daily struggle adds to frustration and disappointment, affecting both productivity and peace of mind. The situation has become a constant source of stress for city residents. With traffic congestion and parking shortages growing worse each day, it’s clear that urgent action is needed. Authorities must prioritise effective parking solutions to ease this burden and improve daily life.

Ravneet Kaur

Designate zones for high-traffic areas

Model Town is one of the busiest areas in the city, attracting people for both shopping and recreation. However, parking remains a major issue. Whether visiting a restaurant or a showroom, finding a parking spot is nearly impossible. This often leads to cancelled plans or long delays just to locate a suitable space. The lack of organised parking not only causes inconvenience but also adds to traffic congestion in the area. To address this, there should be designated parking zones in such high-traffic areas. Proper planning and management are essential to ensure a smoother experience for both visitors and businesses.

Aditya

Promote use of public transport

Parking has become a perennial problem across the city, affecting nearly every area. It's no longer limited to commercial zones—other areas are equally affected. The growing number of vehicles on the roads, coupled with poor planning and a lack of designated parking zones, has led to serious congestion and daily inconvenience. People continue to rely heavily on private cars, which only worsens the situation. Promoting the use of public transportation is essential to reduce this burden. A striking example is the area opposite the District Administrative Complex, where several media house offices are located. Vehicles are parked so randomly and carelessly that even driving through the area becomes difficult. It creates not just traffic jams but also safety hazards. Without strict regulation, better enforcement, and dedicated parking infrastructure, the city’s traffic and parking challenges will only escalate. Immediate action from the authorities is urgently needed.

Deepa Verma

Implement no-parking zones for relief

Certain areas or zones in the city should be designated as four-wheeler-free to ease congestion. Parking has become a chaotic issue, adding to the city's traffic woes. Smooth and organized parking solutions are essential to improve mobility. Traffic jams already consume a significant amount of time, and the added struggle of finding a parking spot only worsens the problem. This not only causes frustration but also affects overall productivity. Implementing no-parking zones for four-wheelers and two-wheelers, along with better planning and enforcement, can help reduce the problem and ease the issue city residents are grappling with.

Harpreet Kaur

Vehicle-free zones for cleaner spaces

The implementation of “No Vehicle Zones” or “Low Emission Zones” has become a common practice in many countries, including Europe, the US and the UK, where they are also known as “Clean Air Zones” or “Congestion Charge Zones.” Similar practices have been adopted in Africa under the name “Streets for the People.” In India, a vast area was declared a no-vehicle zone during the Mahakumbh and many tourist spots across the country have adopted vehicle restrictions. Uttarakhand has recently introduced measures to restrict the indiscriminate entry of tourist vehicles into cities that witnessed an overwhelming influx of vehicles. The Golden Temple Complex, located in the state, has also become one of these zones, with positive results. Vehicles have been occupying a significant amount of space in various city markets and religious places, which hold substantial tourist value and remain crowded year-round. By restricting vehicle entry and reclaiming this space for trees, plants, hedges, cafes and shops, the landscape can be transformed. What was once a congested and oppressive area could become a haven, promoting a more peaceful and pleasant environment. Furthermore, it would undoubtedly help boost local trade. It is high time that both administrations and citizens in the region embrace these positive experiments for the betterment of the environment and public spaces.

Sangeeta Vij

Take steps to tackle city congestion

Over the past five years to a decade, there has been a massive increase in the number of vehicles on city streets. Cities, streets, markets and even the poshest areas with broad roads were not designed to accommodate such a high volume of vehicles. In response, residents are purchasing more vehicles, further crowding localities, streets and markets, which were never planned to handle such congestion or provide ample parking space. This chaotic situation has severely affected the lives of residents. Traffic jams disrupt daily routines and at times, take a toll on the mental well-being of citizens. In some congested areas, the sheer number of vehicles makes it difficult even to breathe. Introducing “No Vehicle Zones” could create spaces where people can stroll freely without the stress of traffic. These areas would provide a safe environment for citizens to relax and spend quality time with their loved ones, turning once chaotic spaces into welcoming, peaceful zones.

Suman Kumari

Effective parking solutions required

While the introduction of “No Vehicle Zones” requires massive parking spaces in the city, it must be accompanied by thoughtful planning to ensure that residents have enough parking options. Currently, roads and grounds near markets serve as ad-hoc parking spaces. Only large malls, commercial complexes and establishments possess the resources to build separate or basement parking. For the city to avoid a worsening traffic crisis, it also needs significant reforms—possibly even restrictions—on the number of vehicles people can buy. If the current trend continues, the traffic situation could grow so severe in a few years that Jalandhar may become an unliveable city. We must recognise the need for proper infrastructure to manage both vehicle flow and parking to maintain the liveability of our city.

Ashok Gupta

Efforts to reduce carbon footprint

Across the world, there are numerous examples of infrastructure designed around greenery, with the goal of preserving trees and promoting calmness and serenity among the population. With a little visionary thinking and proper planning, public spaces could transform into true oases of well-being. Unfortunately, in this region, we have been doing the exact opposite—cutting down trees indiscriminately to make way for more buildings and vehicles. This is only contributing to the alarming rise in our carbon emissions. On both an individual and community level, efforts must be made to reduce our carbon footprint, and the establishment of “No Vehicle Zones” is one such initiative that has proven successful globally. These zones could help mitigate pollution, improve air quality, and ultimately create a healthier and more peaceful environment for all.

Balwinder Singh Sahota