Traffic chaos at Hanuman Chowk-Paltan Bazaar stretch sparks concern among locals

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun 

Residents and shopkeepers have expressed concern over the entry of four-wheelers in the market area from Hanuman Chowk to Paltan Bazaar, citing increased traffic congestion and related issues. They have stated that the growing traffic congestion has deterred residents from visiting the market, resulting in decreased sales and adversely affecting business of shopkeepers. In response, the Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) has urged the district administration to convene a meeting with them to discuss and address the said and other related issues in the market area.

It’s important to note that the development of the said market was undertaken under the Smart City project but the problems related to parking and traffic have not been resolved and continue to cause suffering.

The market stretch from Hanuman Chowk to Paltan Bazaar is frequently congested with four-wheelers, including private vehicles and goods carriers, exacerbating the situation. Particularly at Hanuman Chowk, the presence of goods carriers is contributing to the congestion. 

Resident Ahima Chaudhary said that the condition of the market area from Hanuman Chowk to Paltan Bazaar has deteriorated so much due to traffic congestion that shoppers like her often avoid going to the market and prefer to buy items from retailers instead. She emphasised that the entry of four-wheelers into the market area is a significant factor contributing to the increased congestion. She added that private vehicles are running in the market, leading to traffic Jams, while goods carriers visiting Hanuman Chowk also block the road. She urged the authorities to restrict the entry of private four-wheelers and to set specific time limits for goods carriers within the market.

Shopkeeper Gagan Gupta said that entry of four-wheelers in the market area, stating that it not only leads to traffic congestion but also indirectly affects their sales. He explained that the congestion on market roads discourages customers, who avoid crossing through heavy traffic to reach shops on the other side, thereby impacting sales for shopkeepers. He called for action from the authorities regarding the entry of four-wheelers.

DVMUVM president, Pankaj Masson said that the traffic surge is due to various factors, including street vendors, four-wheelers (goods carriers) and many others. He further emphasised that the only solution is for the district administration to convene a meeting with them to discuss and resolve this issue and related concerns in the market area. By doing so, it might be possible to establish fixed timings for goods carriers and others to provide a more comfortable shopping environment for residents.