Wrong side driving on Lakkar Bridge increases risk of mishaps

Despite the traffic police having put up barricades to prevent commuters from taking the wrong side on Lakkar Bridge, violations still continue with people continuing to treat traffic rules with disregard. All this leads to the traffic movement on Lakkar Bridge slowing down. The issue is not only creating traffic snarls for commuters who are following the rules and taking the right side of the bridge, but also poses a risk of collisions.

On Wednesday, there was a huge jam on the bridge with commuters getting stuck in the jam for long. A traffic jam near Mata Rani chowk further added to the woes.

It is pertinent to mention here that the closure of the Domoria Railway Underbridge (RUB) for a 90-day renovation project has thrown traffic into chaos. Desperate to avoid detours, many commuters are recklessly taking the wrong side of Lakkar Bridge, putting their lives at risk. The bridge, already under strain after the closure of Domoria Bridge, is now witnessing a massive surge in traffic. The stretch between Pavilion Chowk and Mata Rani Chowk has become a particular hot spot for wrong-side driving, multiplying the risk of accidents. The increased traffic load is posing a significant threat to commuters’ safety, and the lack of police presence is only exacerbating the problem. As the city waits for the underbridge to reopen, it is imperative that immediate measures are taken to address this critical issue and prevent any potential disasters.

The traffic police has recently put up barricades at the start of the bridge and the police also sometimes remain present to stop commuters from taking the wrong side.

Commuters follow norms till the time cops remain present but the moment cops leave the spot, commuters start flouting traffic rules and drive on the wrong side, said Raman Kumar, a shopkeeper, adding that this practice needs to stop immediately, else it may lead to a major accident.

Another shopkeeper Rohit Kumar said that people should understand their responsibility and avoid going on the wrong side. If the traffic police start dealing with the violators strictly, people will raise a hue and cry, he said.