'Proper transport planning needed to deal with crisis'

Like most other junctions in Gurgaon, the one at Signature Tower is also plagued by design faults at various levels which can be attributed to lack of vision of the authorities.

Like most other junctions in Gurgaon, the one at Signature Tower is also plagued by design faults at various levels which can be attributed to lack of vision of the authorities.

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The huge volume of traffic coming from Delhi through the six-lane expressway turns left towards Huda City Centre through a single-lane service road. Such large volume of vehicles entering a single lane creates traffic bottlenecks.

Another major problem is the absence of a U-turn for vehicles once they exit the expressway. The next U-turn after the exit is only at the Signature Tower intersection which leads to congestion at the traffic signal. This problem is prevalent at all exits of the expressway.

Also, the Signature Tower intersection sees several other problems due to the absence of traffic police officials and dysfunctional signals. There is also a mix of different kinds of traffic, including two-wheelers, cars and trucks. This leads to congestion as it is unwise to allow heavy commercial vehicles in the city at all times.

Proper transport planning and junction designing are the only ways to solve the problems here. The four-arm intersection should be designed keeping the traffic volume in mind and the service roads need to be widened.

Passing traffic should not be allowed to enter the junction and a bypass could be provided for movement of trucks. There are also no signages, maps or guides to direct traffic, which needs to be provided at places where drivers can clearly see them.

Authorities should adopt the 'avoid-shift-improve' model to repair the damage. They can avoid traffic issues through proper planning, shift from private to public transport and finally improve infrastructure by using suitable designing and technology.

(As told to Deevakar Anand)