TRAFFIC near Ajni Railway Station descended into chaos on Thursday after authorities abruptly halted vehicular movement from Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Square towards Congress Nagar Square, triggering widespread congestion and severe inconvenience for commuters. The blockage forced traffic into the opposite direction, resulting in heavy congestion along the lane near Shivaji Science College during afternoon hours. Authorities later prohibited entry towards Congress Nagar Square altogether, diverting vehicles instead towards Kriplani Square and Medical Square. The additional traffic burden intensified congestion at Kriplani Square, where vehicle queues stretched nearly 1 to 1.5 kilometres during peak evening hours. Commuters were compelled to alter their routes and take longer detours to reach their destinations, leading to significant loss of time and fuel. Railway passengers were among the worst affected. Many arriving at Ajni Railway Station were forced to negotiate multiple U-turns or alight at Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Square and walk through dense traffic to reach the station. Elderly passengers and children faced particular hardship due to the diversion implemented without prior intimation.

 

 

The road is closed for the construction of an underpass connecting Ajni Railway Station to FCI Road, passing beneath Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Square, being undertaken by the State Public Works Department (PWD). No advance notice or warning boards THE impact of the closure was aggravated by its sudden implementation, absence of alternative route planning, and lack of warning signboards informing motorists of the diversion. The resulting disorder also delayed emergency services, with an ambulance reportedly trapped in the congestion near Ajni Railway Station as vehicles had no space to clear a path.

 

Traffic moving from Medical Square and FCI Road towards Congress Nagar Square was compelled to proceed to Kriplani Square and take a detour via Rahate Colony T-point. The situation worsened as the intermediate median remained barricaded, further increasing vehicular traffic on Kriplani Square. Poor coordination among agencies worsens situation THE long vehicle queues at Kriplani Square reflected an apparent lack of coordination among Government agencies. Despite the diversion of additional traffic towards the junction, traffic signals allowed vehicles from Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Square barely 15 seconds to cross the intersection, while signal from other directions remained open for 30 to 45 seconds.

 

As a result, commuters reportedly waited through six to eight signal cycles to cross the busy intersection,intensifying frustration among motorists. Wide spread disruption across key junctions THE domino effect of the closure extended far beyond the immediate vicinity, with congestion reported up to Lokmat Square, Ajni Square, and roads leading towards Medical Square.Diverted traffic placed adjacent areas under considerable strain, further disrupting movement across the locality. Despite the scale of the disruption, traffic personnel were largely absent from keyhigh-density intersections, including Kriplani Square,Rahate ColonyTpoint,CongressNagarSquare and Ajni Square. Officialswere visible only at Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Square,leaving other critical junctions unmanaged amid the mounting chaos.