Chaos reigns supreme on Pathankot roads

The increasing volume of traffic in the town and absence of adequate parking space have compounded the woes of commuters, as traffic snarls have become the order of the day. Haphazardly parked vehicles at almost all stretches affect vehicular movement and pose a challenge to motorists.

The increasing volume of traffic in the town and absence of adequate parking space have compounded the woes of commuters, as traffic snarls have become the order of the day.

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Haphazardly parked vehicles at almost all stretches affect vehicular movement and pose a challenge to motorists.

There have been instances when ambulances and fire tenders were stuck in traffic snarls during emergency situations.

Last week, a fire broke out in a shop-cum-godown of a crockery dealer. However, the fire brigade could not reach the spot on time as it was stuck in traffic due to haphazardly parked vehicles.

With the passage of time, the number of vehicles has increased manifold. However, the administration has failed to provide adequate parking space.

Though the Pathankot Improvement Trust had initiated a project in Balmiki Chowk to construct parking space, it was stuck midway due to financial constraints.

Shoppers visiting the congested main bazaar and Saili Road usually park their vehicles on the road, adding to chaos on the stretch.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Kaushal, SSP, Pathankot, said, "I will ensure that people who park their vehicles illegally are not let off. We will make efforts to ease congestion due to wrongly parked vehicles."

Local speak

People should not be allowed to park vehicles in the no-parking zone irrespective of their professional stature.
Vishal Arora, resident

I have assigned the job of managing randomly parked vehicles to a DSP-level official. The defaulters will be penalised.
Rakesh Kaushal, SSP, Pathankot