Sahnewal bus stops where no buses stop

Lovleen Bains
Sahnewal, December 6

Sahnewal Chowk, which remains choked with traffic, gets all the more messier when buses, rather than halting at the designated stops, halt at the chowk. The queue of buses waiting for passengers brings traffic to a grinding halt at the chowk.

Conductors and their so-called assistants seem to be clearing the traffic for general good but one gets a jolt when they stop their buses in the middle of the road, least bothered about those who keep stranded in traffic jams for hours together. This despite the fact that Sahnewal has a full-fledged bus stand.

“We fail to understand why has the bus stand been built if not even a single bus halts there? The bus stops built on both sides lie abandoned. No single soul is seen at these bus stops as private buses stop at Sahnewal Chowk to pick and drop passengers. No authority has ever tried to check this practice. The policemen deployed at the chowk seem to be unaware of the fact that traffic congestion is being aggravated by the halting of buses at the chowk. They just allow them to do so as a matter of routine,” said a commuter.

“Neither passengers nor buses should be allowed to stop at the chowk. Those found doing so should be dealt with strictly,” said a passerby.

Meanwhile, ASI-Traffic Iqbal Singh said he was aware of the problem of traffic congestion at Sahnewal Chowk. “The buses shall now halt at their respective bus stops. 

Moreover, the entry of big vehicles has been strictly banned in Sahnewal and each vehicle shall now take the Sua Road, rather than entering the town from Dehlon Road. Also, I shall increase the number of policemen on duty at the chowk. A case shall be registered against any driver trying to take undue advantage.”