No solution to traffic chaos

In the wake of new traffic diversion plan brought in light following the creation of a mega flyover, the vehicular movement here in the State Capital is being severely affected, creating trouble for the public during the peak hours.

The construction of Kantatoli Flyover project kick started on July 16 diverting traffic load towards other avenues. In spite of round of Recees and meetings before initiating the construction work there to avert traffic snarl, the idea proved futile on the very first day.

Interestingly, the city residents now have to follow the new routes diversion plan for next two years as over 24 months will be required to complete the construction of Kantatoli flyover covering 200 meter civil construction work beginning from Mangal Tower to Kantatoli Chowk. In a bid to decongest Kantatoli, at present, some of the busiest routes are getting bunged, resulting in massive traffic jam.

The situation appears to be gloomier, with no concrete plan of action in sight to get rid-off this regular traffic jam. The present situation is likely to haunt the city residents for the coming years, if no apt action is taken up instantly. Meanwhile, Traffic SP Sanjay Ranjan Singh on Tuesday assured that continuous brainstorming is being done to ease the traffic burden on different routes after the implementation of new route diversion plan.

“Soon the heavy load vehicles will be transferred from Khelgaon to Tatisilwai. At least, a week is required to get acquainted with this new arrangement. We are continuously monitoring the vehicular movement of those routes towards which the traffic loads have been shifted. People’s mindset need to be changed in order to ensure smooth vehicular movement as they need to understand that entry of vehicles could not be permitted at the construction site,” added the Traffic SP.

Further, Singh stated that abrupt protest of political parties and organizations at times adds more to the woes even then major snag spots are being identified for reducing the traffic congestion.

“Unavailability of broad roads is also a problem. Encroachment alongside the busiest avenues is being examined with priority. Soon attempts will be made to somehow clear the encroached routes. We are planning to shift the vegetable market alongside of Kokar Road and Lalpur Chowk towards the backyard or at least a few feet away from the roads for easy penetration of vehicles during the rushed hours,” Singh stated. 

On July 16, the city residents were left in total muddle, after their first encounter with the massive traffic jam, covering all major itineraries. Notably, the traffic jam continued for more than five long hours disrupting the pace of life while the traffic police personnel appeared clueless and was unable to control the situation irrespective of the planning made earlier.