With festive season nearing, residents brace for traffic chaos in Ludhiana city

As the festive season approaches, city markets are buzzing with excitement, and also bracing for a familiar chaos. From Ghumar Mandi to Model Town, BRS Nagar to Dugri, every major shopping hub faces mounting traffic congestion, worsened by encroachments and roadside displays by shopkeepers.

“Festivals bring joy but reaching shops feels like a battle,” said Simranpreet Kaur, a resident of Model Town, here. “There’s barely space to walk, let alone drive. Vendors encroach upon on roads and autos stop mid-lane,” she said.

“With Navratri and Diwali approaching, markets are packed and roads are chaotic,” said Harpreet Singh, a local shopkeeper in Ghumar Mandi.

“Even a short commute takes double the time. We need strict enforcement and better planning,” he said.

College student Aarti Verma echoed the frustration. “Auto-rickshaws stop anywhere, vendors spill onto roads and there’s no space to walk. It’s stressful and unsafe,” he said.

Harvinder Singh, a businessman from BRS Nagar, said: “We want to welcome customers with festive displays but the lack of regulation turns celebration into a gridlock. The city needs a plan.”

In response to growing concerns, Mayor Inderjit Kaur convened a meeting with senior traffic and civic body officials. The attendees included DCP (law and order, traffic) Parminder Singh Bhandal, MC Joint Commissioner Vineet Kumar, ADCP (Traffic) Gurpreet Purewal, MC Assistant Commissioner Gurpal Singh and tehbazari superintendents from all four zones.

Key decisions taken included marking of yellow lines for street vendors, identifying no-tolerance zones and launching awareness drives to prevent encroachments.

“We’re not against street vendors,” the Mayor said, adding that “they must stay within designated areas. Their presence should not obstruct traffic, especially during the festive rush”.

“Traffic congestion is a major concern. Every measure is being taken to ensure smooth movement and safety for all. We’re taking every step to ensure the city remains navigable and safe during the festive season and beyond. The civic body is expected to roll out fresh traffic management plans in coming days, with special attention to high-footfall areas and market zones,” she said.