Pre-Deepawali traffic snarls worry commuters in Doon, proper implementation of traffic plan sought
Sunday, 27 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
With the start of the festive season resulting in increased traffic, there has been an increase in traffic congestion in Dehradun city, particularly in prominent markets like Paltan Bazaar, Hanuman Chowk, Raja Road and other connected areas. Traffic congestion was also witnessed on various roads and at major markets in Dehradun on Saturday. Many commuters have expressed their concerns regarding the inadequate traffic management in and near the marketsy. Officials should develop a comprehensive traffic plan before the festival season and ensure its proper implementation, the commuters stated.
Notably, during a recent meeting with the relevant officials, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the importance of focusing on traffic management during the festival of Deepawali. However, various roads and the major markets in Dehradun continue to experience long queues of vehicles, posing a challenge for shoppers, commuters and local residents in navigating the traffic and conducting their business.
A commuter, Virat Narang said that he owns a small shop in the IT Park area, where he always sets up lights, gifts and other items for sale during the Deepawali period. Narang noted that navigating the market to make his purchases while driving has become challenging, as he recently found himself stuck in traffic on Raja Road for half an hour just to reach Hanuman Chowk, a journey that typically takes only a few minutes on normal days. . He further emphasised that each year, officials prepare a traffic plan for Deepawali days, yet there has been no effective implementation of the plan during the period. He expressed disappointment in the authorities’ approach to traffic management during festive season, stressing the need for a timely and effective action plan to alleviate congestion this year.
Speaking about the traffic situation, owner of a shop selling dry fruits at Hanuman Chowk, Ajay Uniyal said that during festive periods, the market sees a significant increase in vehicular congestion during the mornings. He observed that traffic outside his shop remains heavy throughout the day, which not only hinders business operations but also makes it challenging for pedestrians to shop comfortably. Rather than simply addressing traffic management as a formality, he suggested that officials should effectively implement regulations, including restricting the movement of four-wheelers in key areas like the market and its surroundings during festivals.
Many local residents shared similar concerns regarding traffic congestion and urged authorities to take effective actions to address the issue rather than treating it as a routine task.
