Non-functional traffic lights a nuisance for commuters

Several traffic lights across the city have been either lying non-functional for the past many months, or are obscured by overgrown tree branches, leading to inconvenience for commuters.

The situation has resulted in frequent road mishaps, chaotic traffic conditions and recurring jams, especially during peak hours.

Key traffic inter-sections, including Model Town near Geeta Mandir, Cool Road Chowk, Sodal Chowk and Bus Stand Chowk, have been without working traffic signals for months. This has caused traffic flow to become erratic as drivers are forced to navigate busy junctions without guidance.

Adding to the problem, the lights on Garha Road near PIMS are hidden behind dense tree branches, making it nearly impossible for drivers to see whether the signal is red or green, leading to confusion and an increased risk of accidents.

Commuters, who regularly use these roads, have voiced their frustration, saying that the chaos is particularly bad during morning and evening rush hours. Vehicles often cross each other haphazardly, creating gridlock and a dangerous environment for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Nikhil Sharma, a shopkeeper at Cool Road, said, “The traffic lights here were installed just a few months ago after commuters, residents and shopkeepers complained about frequent jams at the chowk. But the lights stopped working not long after they were installed. There’s also a railway crossing just ahead and when the gates are closed, long queues of vehicles are seen, making the situation even worse.”

Despite repeated complaints from residents and business owners, little action has been taken to address the malfunctioning lights. “We have submitted multiple complaints to the Municipal Corporation, but no one seems to be taking this issue seriously,” Sharma added.

The situation at Sodal Chowk has been particularly hazardous, according to Ravish, a commuter. “There have been several accidents due to the defunct traffic lights here. While the police are quick to issue fines for red-light violations, who is responsible when the lights aren’t working? The lack of functioning signals has led to unnecessary chaos and danger for everyone on the road.”

Mukesh, another commuter, pointed out additional problems during heavy rain. “When it rains, water gets accumulated on the road. With the traffic lights not working and the roads flooded, it’s a nightmare. Long queues of vehicles form, and there’s no order,” he said.

Meanwhile, traffic officials said they had informed the Municipal Corporation about the dysfunctional traffic lights and those hidden by tree branches or promotional materials. They claimed the MC had assured them that repairs would be carried out soon and the companies responsible for maintaining the lights have already been asked to start the work.