Only pedestrian flow on Sursagar Rd

Vadodara: From this Independence Day, Barodians will experience freedom from the snarling traffic and enjoy the beauty of Sursagar — the city’s oldest and historic lake. The police department and Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) have joined hands to introduce the concept of reclaiming public space, probably for the first time in Gujarat.
The entire road around Sursagar Lake will be reserved only for pedestrians from the evening of August 15. “No vehicles will be allowed on the road circling Sursagar Lake every evening from this Independence Day. The roads will remain closed daily most likely from 8 pm till late in the night. We will soon issue a notification regarding it. Alternative routes will also be given for the vehicle movement,” said Shamsher Singh, city police commissioner.
Only pedestrians will be allowed in the entire stretch. “People will be able to stroll around the lake, hang out with friends and family and kids too can play without worrying about traffic. It will be a no-vehicle zone free of any noise or air pollution,” Singh told TOI. Singh had discussed the plan with Mayor Keyur Rokadia some days ago and he too had liked the idea and proposed Sursagar Lake as an ideal spot.
The civic body will work on the plan and may allow food kiosks to be set up in the stretch. “The idea is to reclaim the public space and give people a spot to hangout in peace. Vadodara is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the state and people here deserve a good public space,” Singh added.
The stretch around Sursagar Lake is dotted with historic buildings like Nyay Mandir and Faculty of Performing Arts that were built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
A towering idol of Lord Shiva in the middle of the lake adds to the beauty of the spot. Singh said that they will work on creating more such public spaces in different areas of the city.