Improve infra to tackle traffic congestion

Build a longover bridge

The weekend traffic chaos on Jalandhar Phagwara stretch of GT Road is outcome of poor transport planning and inefficient traffic management by the authorities. The volume and the type of traffic on this busy stretch especially on weekends and other special occasions are not properly analysed. Now only infrastructural inductions through building a long over bridge from LPU to PAP chowk can help mitigate the problem to an extent. The project will certainly take time and huge financial investment but there is no escape. Since it is a long run project, short term measures such as bypassing the traffic through link roads and streamlining the traffic properly through dedicated lanes can provide some solace to the vehicle owners.

JAGDISH CHANDER

Set up high-occupancy vehicle lanes

VVIPs and ministers are considered to be the state’s “valuable assets,” but compromising the civilian routine and traffic flow merely for their security and respect is highly impractical and illogical. While safeguarding these personnel’s is undoubtedly essential, it is equally important to ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic on highways and roads. Many streets and thoroughfares serve as vital links between rural villages and urban centres, providing access to crucial amenities such as hospitals, schools and government offices. An abrupt halt to this normal traffic flow can have serious consequences for the residents of Punjab, jeopardizing not only their employment but, in the most dire situations, their lives. For instance, during such events, emergency services, including ambulances, may be unable to reach those in need, exacerbating medical emergencies and delaying vital interventions. The government should give a thought to this situation as well because irregular stops in road flow continue to endanger the regular living of citizens in some way or the other. One method to adopt from foreign countries like the US and Canada is to establish specialised lanes which are called High-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV lanes). A specific lane should be assigned for the movement of VIP’s on the highways and roads. Also these lanes could be fenced or guarded as per the situation. This will not disrupt the daily traffic without compromising comfort or security for both parties. Another way is for the government to appoint traffic experts to analyse the traffic flow of the day and predict the fastest and least congested way for the VVIPs to follow and minimize the damage to be caused. Also the public should be notified by the ways to radios, TVs and newspapers about suggested routes, to not collide with the VIP routes.

Lakshit Jindal

Stop illegal parking along roads

The rapid increase in automobiles has exacerbated traffic problems in most cities across the country. The situation is particularly dire in older, densely populated cities like Jalandhar and Ludhiana, where malls and banquets have come up in crowded areas or on highways. At these places, there is an unusual rush, especially during weekend days, when more people come in for purchases or family outings. The traffic disruptions lead to severe jams, causing frustration among commuters who face delays in reaching their destinations. The problem becomes even more chaotic during VVIP movements, which often involve road closures, diversions and stoppages along designated routes. Moreover, VVIP convoys pose a serious challenge to emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigade vehicles, as restricted access to key roads can be life-threatening in critical situations. To address these issues, it is essential to avoid scheduling VVIP movements at peak hours on narrow lanes unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, unwanted entourage should also be curtailed to minimise traffic obstructions. Apart this, illegal parking along roads, lanes/pavements and in front of shops or offices also aggravates congestion, which must be stopped as it creates significant inconvenience to residents and pedestrians. Thus it is important to implement one-way traffic systems or restrict vehicle entry in crowded areas during peak hours, which may help ease congestion issues considerably. Further to ensure smoother flow of traffic, strict action should be taken against drivers who disregard the traffic rules. To overcome the shortage of parking spaces, construction of multi-storey parking lots and the designation of vehicle-free zones in narrow streets should be prioritised. On the technology front, expanding CCTV network can help monitor reckless driving, rampant encroachments and hazard parking, ensuring better traffic management. While improving urban infrastructure is a crucial aspect of urban planning, civic authorities must take proactive steps to address the ongoing traffic chaos by clearing encroachments and streamlining road movement. The traffic police should provide advance information to commuters and residents about VVIP movements to avoid inconvenience to general public. Better coordination between traffic authorities, law enforcement agencies and public services — supplemented by technology driven traffic apps — can potentially reduce urban mobility challenges. In all, effective management will help mitigate the adverse effects of traffic woes and improve the commuting conditions for city residents.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Strictly follow the traffic rules

Express highway, ring road are under construction and no doubt when these projects will be complete the traffic jam creating inconvenience to the vehicle owners will itself be solved. The movement of the VVIP’s , increasing number vehicles on the weekends for the purchase of routine house hold items and scarcity of parking areas create a great fuss due to scaricity of parking areas. The service lane is available on both the sides of national highway passing though the cities but the parking on the service lane due to marriage palaces and restaurants also creates traffic problem. The need of hour is that the vehicle owners should follow the traffic rules seriously and avoid wrong parking on the side of the roads. Until and unless vehicle owners themselves take the responsibility, the problem of traffic hazards cannot come to a halt and they should strictly follow the rules and regulations on the roads during parking.

RAJAT KUMAR MOHINDRU.

Efficient planning need of the hour

A major problem at the PAP exit from the city is the blocked entry to Amritsar highway ever since the opening of the PAP flyover that has made it impossible for commuters to enter the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway directly. Commuters travelling to Amritsar and the colonies on the bypass all have to go underneath the PAP flyover all the way to the Ramamandi and take a U-turn back towards PAP to take the flyover connecting to Amritsar highway. Obviously it becomes a traffic bottleneck, of course the added fuel wastage and running depreciation to the vehicles forced to take the long route back. The other problem is the entry to Jalandhar-Phagwara highway after crossing PAP Chowk. In the opposite side again the exit and entry points need attention as commuters can be seen trying to enter from the exit point. There should be more town planners who can set this right to make life easy for residents and travellers.

Yuvaa Theatre

Use escort vehicles, alternate routes

During VIP and VVIP movements, the general public often faces significant inconvenience due to roadblocks, traffic diversions and long waiting times. This disrupts daily activities, delays emergency services and causes unnecessary frustration among commuters. While security is essential, it should not come at the cost of public hardship. In many foreign countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, traffic is not halted during VVIP movements. Instead, they use escort vehicles, alternate routes and minimal traffic control to ensure smooth movement for both dignitaries and the public. India should adopt similar measures, ensuring that security protocols do not hamper the freedom and convenience of citizens. The administration must plan VIP movements efficiently, allowing residents to continue their daily activities without disruption.

Anuj Anand Advocate

Real-time traffic updates required

To minimize inconvenience to commuters due to VVIP movements and weekend rush, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Short-term measures include advance notification, traffic diversions, additional traffic personnel, and real-time traffic updates. Long-term measures involve implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), developing traffic management plans, infrastructure upgrades, enhancing public transportation and leveraging traffic optimization technologies. Collaborative efforts between agencies, commuters and private sector partners are also crucial. By implementing these measures, traffic congestion can be reduced and commuters can enjoy a smoother and more efficient travel experience. Effective traffic management can also enhance the overall quality of life and productivity in urban areas.

Ashwani Joshi

Implement smart traffic management systems

Improving traffic flow on the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway requires a multifaceted approach to address congestion, enhance safety and promote smoother travel. First, upgrading road infrastructure is essential. Expanding lanes, constructing flyovers at major intersections, and ensuring proper signage can reduce bottlenecks. Additionally, implementing smart traffic management systems with real-time monitoring and adaptive signal controls will help manage traffic flow better, especially during peak hours. Enforcing strict adherence to traffic rules, including speed limits and lane discipline, can minimize accidents that often disrupt traffic. The introduction of dedicated lanes for public transportation or carpooling can encourage alternative commuting options, easing congestion. Regular maintenance of roads to eliminate potholes and provide clear markings is also vital to maintaining smooth traffic movement. Public awareness campaigns about alternative routes and peak-hour travel can help disperse traffic and reduce pressure on the highway. Combining these strategies will lead to a significant improvement in traffic flow on this crucial route.”

Tejasvi

Effective solution required

While highways and road projects are meant to facilitate people, the jams on the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway have become a headache for all residents passing through the stretch. There is a perpetual traffic jam at a famous mall on the highway where traffic from both sides holds up the one-way lane. Due to rush of passengers heading to dera and movement of VVIPS, repeated hold-ups torment commuters. An effective solution needs to be made to the problem every day, so that people are not inconvenienced.

Prabhgun Kaur

Lack of proper urban planning to blame

I have faced a huge jam at the stretch for over an hour as I was returning from a mall. It is most difficult when is travelling with children. While sources of entertainment and recreation are fine, the highway is proof that lack of proper urban planning and disregard to civic issues can even turn positive experiences to unsavoury memories. People are stranded for hours which is a huge dampener for the stretch as it is taken by thousands of commuters every week.

Swati Kaushal

Long jams bane of motorists

If someone has to board a connecting flight from Delhi or has to reach a hospital in Ludhiana during an emergency, the highway rush immobilises one for at least an hour or even longer. Patients in emergencies are especially harried at such a time. From universities, to a station, famous malls and many key establishments are based on the highway. People who have to reach on time, cannot think of taking the highway to reach their destination timely, especially on weekends. It’s a huge time wastage and a constant source of harassment to commuters.

Mandeep Kaur

Vehicle-specific zones needed

Highways must be build by factoring in the scenario of rise in vehicles every year. Our existing roads and highway systems are not prepared for the onslaught of a barrage of vehicles that are added to the traffic pool every year. On top of this, leaders and VIPs give two hoots for people’s convenience – blocking up traffic for hours and creating last minute diversions which take a toll on people stuck in emergencies. Creating vehicle-specific zones is a key measure that is essentially required if chaos on such stretches is to be avoided in future.

Riya Gupta