Red-flagging Traffic jams Sadar left breathless due to traffic congestion

 

 

The traffic issue is a common sentiment shared across the city, and as ‘The Hitavada’ also asserted earlier, it is not just the responsibility of traffic authorities to manage the traffic flow but citizens and commuters also need to be disciplined, have traffic - sensibility, and imbibe mannerism on road. Adhering to it diligently will help reduce accidents, traffic jams and chaos leading to a smooth flow of traffic for everyone. When the Sadar fly-over was being constructed, many breathed a sigh of relief as vehicles heading from Katol Road and Mankapur and travelling towards Railway Station or RBI Square did not have to get stuck amidst the slow-moving traffic on Sadar Road. The area is one of the well-known marketplace of the city having many retail stores, restaurants and eateries popular with both families and youngsters. Every single day during peak hours, the stretch of road between Anjuman Complex and Liberty Square is packed with vehicular traffic. The road is lined with many shops whose visitors park their two or four-wheelers infront of the shops which further narrows the motorable space due to the Sadar fly-over’s pillars. The lane towards Gaddigodam Square resembles a showroom floor.

 

The lane is crammed with four-wheelers parked in front of automobile shops. This, combined with the constant movement of city buses, traveller buses, auto-rickshaws, and other vehicles, transforms the Sadar Road into nothing less than a disordered and messy scene. While some commuters, aware of this situation, try to avoid this route, many have no choice but to brave the traffic jam for their daily commutes or errands. One of the shopkeepers told ‘The Hitavada’, “Actions are taken on the illegally parked vehicles in front of shops by the Traffic Police’s towing truck but only during inspections or when a politician or minister is visiting.”

 

The single lane running parallel to the Sadar flyover, from RBI Square towards Liberty Square, also faces traffic congestion on several occasions. This place suffers from a busy bus stop, auto-rickshaws waiting for customers, and limited alternative routes for traffic coming from RBI Square. During peak hours, city buses, jostling auto-rickshaws, and regular traffic all vying for the same space create a chaotic scene. There is also an issue of non-functional traffic signals at Liberty Square, the intersections connecting Mount Road and Gaddigodam Square. Due to this, the vehicular traffic coming from all directions navigates the intersection in the absence of traffic police that can manage the movement. The free-for-all often leads to collisions between small and large vehicles, posing a serious risk of accidents and injuries. The citizens are calling for the authorities to be proactive in addressing these civic issues, not just reactive when the problems are being pointed out. Only through proper planning and when both authorities and citizens alike wear the cape of responsibility, one can ensure this city and its citizens live a safe and endurable life.