Encroachments, wrong parking lead to traffic chaos on Rani Jhansi Road

Rani Jhansi Road near Ghumar Mandi, one of Ludhiana’s posh areas with sky-high land prices and leading jewellery and sweet shops, has turned into a nightmare for residents and commuters. The stretch remains choked with traffic during peak hours, thanks to rampant encroachments by eateries and careless parking all over, while enforcement agencies continue to look the other way.

The chaos peaks in the afternoon when classes at Khalsa College for Women end between 1.30 pm and 2.15 pm. Autos, two-wheelers and cars take over almost half the road, causing massive jams. The situation worsens as boys, allegedly waiting outside the college, park their vehicles anywhere in the adjoining park and even in the middle of the road.

“We avoid stepping out between 1.15 pm and 2 pm. It’s a total mess with vehicles brushing past each other and no traffic cops in sight amid eve-teasing concerns. People are often seen arguing just to find space to pass,” said Sandeep Sharma, another local resident.

Locals also alleged that without reason, groups of boys gather outside the college when classes end, adding to congestion and uneasiness. The evenings bring no respite. From 6 pm onwards, 20-30 rehris selling eatables line along both sides of the road. Customers park vehicles haphazardly to grab food, virtually blocking the stretch.

“Whenever there’s a VIP visit, rehris vanish and traffic flows smoothly. On other days, authorities prefer to turn a blind eye. The police and the MC do nothing to clear these encroachments,” rued Megha, another resident.

With the road under siege both in the afternoons and evenings, residents demand immediate intervention of the traffic police and the MC. Even outside the big showrooms vehicles are often seen parked in a wrong manner.