Huge rush on Ludhiana roads as curfew norms go for a toss

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 27

Despite an extension given by the administration in the timings of opening shops, a huge rush of commuters was seen on the roads for at least an hour after the curfew comes into force.

The major reason cited for the rush is that since shops get closed at 3 pm, the rush is that of commuters and shopkeepers returning home. Another reason for the rush is that the traffic police have not made enough arrangements to manage the traffic.

It was also noticed that rush in the markets had increased in the past few days as residents now have more time for shopping due to relaxation in curfew timings.

“Since the curfew relaxation has been extended by three hours, we received more footfall of customers today. Some customers even came just before closing time,” said a garment shopkeeper.

“To deal with the rush after 3 pm, the traffic police should deploy more officials at the Clock Tower road, Ghumar Mandi, Jassian road, Gill road, Rajpura chowk, Civil Lines, Kesar Ganj Mandi, Books market, Gurh Mandi. These are the places where people throng in large numbers to buy household items,” said a resident.

Another shopkeeper said he appreciates the decision to extend curfew relaxations but the administration should also give some time to people to reach home without a hurry.

“People rush home immediately after 3 pm immediately to prevent getting challaned. The rush will obviously create traffic hurdles. When people know they have some more time to reach home, roads will witness less traffic jam,” said Gurbaz Singh, a garment showroom owner near Clock Tower.

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