MC fails to pay attention to correct faulty traffic islands
Despite availability of traffic islands at some intersections in the city, mostly pedestrians are unable to use them as some of them are either faulty or have been encroached upon by installing illegal hoardings.
Despite availability of traffic islands at some intersections in the city, mostly pedestrians are unable to use them as some of them are either faulty or have been encroached upon by installing illegal hoardings.
Though the municipal corporation (MC) is taking suggestions from the residents to make city smart, it has failed to pay attention towards such problems being faced by the pedestrians in routine.
These traffic islands or pedestrian islands are meant for the pedestrians who might actually stop mid-crossing. It is said that such islands improve the amenities for pedestrians trying to cross the busy roads or intersections. Though questions are already being raised about faulty traffic islands and zebra crossings in the city, required action is a distant dream.
If one has to cross the busiest Jagraon bridge intersection, it is very difficult as the islands are not pedestrian-friendly. Even the height of islands is too high to get on it. Pedestrians can be seen standing on roads, thus putting their lives in danger while crossing the busiest roads in absence of zebra crossings.
Traffic islands are better at Bharat Nagar Chowk, but these have been encroached upon by installing illegal hoardings. The MC officials generally avoid taking action against illegal hoardings installed at Bharat Nagar Chowk.
Besides illegal advertisements, traffic police booths have also been setup at some of the islands in city causing obstructions for pedestrians.
The islands at Bhai Bala Chowk and other areas also require urgent repair. Moreover, the MC has failed to construct islands and draw zebra crossings at some major intersections. Still, the railings and dividers are obstructing the way at most places, where the civic body had drawn zebra crossings in past.
A road safety activist, Rahul Verma, said, “We have demanded the MC to correct islands, as the pedestrians are unable to use them. Illegal hoardings have also been installed at some islands that cause inconvenience to the commuters.”
“There is a need to reduce the height of islands at Jagraon Bridge and proper zebra crossing should be drawn on various roads of the city,” he said.
MC additional commissioner Ghanshyam Thori, “We will get the hoardings removed immediately. We will take up rest of the issues on case-to-case basis. All 47 roads, which are being carpeted, will have zebra crossing and thermoplastic line as per tender conditions.”
