E-Paper
Jalandhar jams eating commuters' time
In the city's regular logjams, time is as infinite as frustration that builds up slowly from all directions. Non-functioning traffic lights and timers, unmarked lanes, rampant encroachment, shortage of parking lots, oversized roundabouts, potholed roads, increased traffic, faded zebra-crossing lines, and dearth of footpaths suggest an environment designed for traffic chaos.
In the city's regular logjams, time is as infinite as frustration that builds up slowly from all directions.
Non-functioning traffic lights and timers, unmarked lanes, rampant encroachment, shortage of parking lots, oversized roundabouts, potholed roads, increased traffic, faded zebra-crossing lines, and dearth of footpaths suggest an environment designed for traffic chaos.
During peak hours, covering even the shortest of stretches takes 30 minutes. Traffic lights at 19 major points are dysfunctional, as the maintenance contract has run out. The traffic wing has written to the mayor, who says the hunt for the next party to take it is on.
"Hours go by stuck in traffic jam each day. It's a complete mess out there," said daily commuter Mohinder Singh. Since timers are out of order, drivers don't know how long to wait to get the green signal. "Preventing accidents and long queues (of cars) at roundabouts is a challenge, as traffic has increased, while roads have deteriorated," said traffic policeman Darshan Singh.
Peoplespeak
Sometimes traffic police can't make a passage for even ambulance. Most hospitals are on Mahavir Marg and getting there from outside isn't easy in this traffic
Sarabjeet Singh, athlete
Bikers swerve and turn their wheels at will, in most dangerous driving. More than managing chaos, traffic police are focussed instead on issuing ticket.
Vini, teacher
Authorityspeaks
We are hunting for the next contractor to maintain traffic lights. The previous contract has lapsed. We'll put up the traffic police proposal for approval of the House
Sunil Jyoti, Mayor
Traffic management is citizens' responsibility as well. We have asked the MC to get the traffic lights working. Our men do its job of filling the potholes on many roads
Sukhdev Singh, additional deputy commissioner of police (traffic)
Traffic police suggestions
Repair and re-carpeting of 19 roads
Yellow line to mark parking space along 31 roads
While line to mark no-parking zone along 36 roads
Installation of new traffic lights at eight points
Maintenance of traffic lights at 19 spots
Repainting of zebra-crossing lines at 17 points
Construction of footpaths along 16 roads.
