Traffic chaos continues despite plans, residents demand concrete action

Despite multiple initiatives by the traffic police to ease congestion in the recent past, traffic woes continue to plague residents across the city.

Areas like Nakodar Chowk, Jyoti Chowk near the Civil Hospital, Jail Road, Urban Estate Phase-II light near petrol pump, 66ft road during evening hours, Balmiki Gate, Tanda and Adda Hoshiarpur railway crossings, Kishanpura Chowk, Mai Hiran Gate, Focal Point underpass and Verka Milk Plant underpass and among other areas continue to remain traffic hotspots.

Frequent traffic jams on these roads are attributed to multiple factors, including non-functional traffic lights, rampant encroachments, lack of parking spaces, haphazard parking, pothole-ridden roads and poor traffic management. Last year, the police introduced several measures, such as dividing the city into four zones, designating one-way roads and removing roadside encroachments. However, these efforts had done little to ease congestion and the problem remains a major concern for residents.

Commuters argue that reckless driving, illegal parking and encroachments are the primary causes of traffic snarls, particularly at Jail Road and Jyoti Chowk. Many blame auto-rickshaw and car drivers for poor driving discipline, while shopkeepers occupying footpaths with their merchandise further exacerbate the situation.

Rajan Sharda, president of the Bhartiya Sarvahit Parishad, has raised the issue with top officials, including the DGP and ADGP, Traffic, calling for strict measures to bring order to the roads. In his letter, he criticised the administration’s failure to act against violators, pointing out the illegal use of red-blue lights and hooters by anti-social elements.

He also highlighted the unrestricted movement of defective three-wheelers and commercial tractor trolleys, which continue to ply the roads despite being banned by the Supreme Court. “The court’s decision has been ignored by the local authorities, which is a matter of deep concern,” he wrote, demanding immediate action.

Jasmeen Kaur, a resident, emphasised the need for public cooperation in resolving the issue. “The smooth traffic flow is still a distant dream. The number of vehicles has risen sharply in recent years, with nearly every middle-class and wealthy household owning multiple cars. If we want to fix this, commuters must opt for carpooling, public transport or two-wheelers for short distances,” she said.

The traffic police, meanwhile, claim they are working around the clock but receive little support from the MC. “Encroachments by shopkeepers and street vendors, along with broken traffic lights, make it difficult to regulate traffic,” an officer said.

The traffic authorities claimed that daily traffic campaigns and special drives are being conducted to address these concerns and the efforts would be intensified to tackle the issue.