Fast-paced construction on roads slows down traffic in Allahabad

ALLAHABAD: Even as the city moves towards better infrastructure with ongoing road repair and laying of sewer lines and pipelines, residents are reeling under regular traffic jams in various areas of Old City because of the ongoing construction work.
Commuting seems to have turned into a nightmare for people in areas like Lukerganj, Atala, Kalindipura, Himmatganj, Johnstonganj and the route between Rajrupur and Civil Lines or Katra and Naini and Baiharana or Bangar Inn Road.

District traffic police is blaming civic agencies for starting construction without intimating them so that they could plan alternative routes for commuters and avoid jam-like situations.

Admitting the problem, traffic inspector AK Mishra said, “The department has been receiving complaints about the frequent traffic jams at some of the city’s busiest routes due to the road widening and laying of sewer\pipelines.”

“Areas like Stanley Road, Kalindipuram, Rajruppur, Lukerganj, Machli Bazar, Himmatganj, Johnstonganj Road, and adjoining areas are facing frequent traffic snarls.”

Mishra said that district authorities have decided to ban the entry of heavy vehicles in Naini between 5am and 11am to keep traffic jams at bay.

The entry of heavy vehicles would be banned at Jari and Sahsoon points to avoid traffic jams in Naini, Bangar Inn Road, Baihrana and other adjoining crossings.

The traffic police will also deploy additional police constables and home guards at Lukerganj, High Court Road, Kalindipuram–Chakia route and Machali Bazaar.

Most commuters travelling on the route said that they should be informed in advance about the construction of roads so that they could opt for alternative routes.