MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Residents of Dehradun have expressed concern over the long-standing issue of four-wheelers and three-wheelers accessing the city market area, specifically the stretch from Hanuman Chowk to Paltan Bazaar. They said that the presence of these vehicles has led to significant traffic congestion, deterring them from shopping in the market and instead opting for nearby stores closer to their residences. Residents have urged authorities to address the issue by restricting private four-wheelers in the market and imposing time limits on goods carriers. Notably, The Pioneer has been highlighting the traffic congestion in the market area and the Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal has also expressed similar concerns, emphasising the need for the district administration to convene a meeting to discuss and resolve the issue. However, no action has been taken and traffic congestion remains a major problem in the market area.
Local resident Veena Chaddha said that traffic conditions in Paltan Bazaar have noticeably deteriorated over time due to the influx of both four-wheelers and three-wheelers. She recalled that in the past, she would frequently visit the market area, including Hanuman Chowk and Paltan Bazaar, even for minor purchases. However, she said that not only the main roads but also the market itself is now plagued by significant traffic congestion. The ease of access for four-wheelers and three-wheelers is a major contributing factor to this issue. The situation has become so problematic that she has started to avoid frequent visits to Paltan Bazaar, now opting to shop at a nearby store instead.
“The presence of private four-wheelers, three-wheelers and good carrier vehicles at Hanuman Chowk and the surrounding market has exacerbated the traffic congestion in the area. As a result, many shoppers have begun to prefer online shopping or purchasing from local stores to steer clear of traffic hassles.
Currently, tasks that could typically be completed in half an hour in the market area are taking more than an hour due to traffic congestion caused by vehicles. Authorities should impose a ban on private cars and set time restrictions for goods carrier vehicles, allowing them entry only during the morning hours at Hanuman Chowk when market traffic is lighter,” stated resident Tara Singhal.
Another local, Yuvraj Dixit emphasised that the authorities must prioritise public confidence and safety in the market area. He said that Paltan Bazaar has become more of a traffic hotspot than a shopping destination. In the interest of public safety and convenience, he urged the authorities to enforce restrictions on four-wheeler access along the market street.
It will be recalled that during the Deepawali season last year, the authorities effectively banned the entry of both four-wheelers and three-wheelers in the market area, which reduced traffic congestion considerably during that period.
