Kacheri Chowk, which connects almost all the major roads and important spots, including the airport, railway station, courts, schools and hospitals, has been witnessing traffic snarls since construction on a flyover began here in September 2011.
While the government and authorities concerned have been promising that work would be wrapped up as soon as possible, commuters on this road continue to suffer.
"There are many hospitals nearby, and ambulances find it difficult to cross this are. There is an alternate road, but it also not spared from the chaotic traffic," said Kunal Bajaj, a hotel employee. "Neither commuters, nor traffic police deployed here make efforts to clear the way for the ambulances," he added.
Hira Lal, a gardener who often commutes from the chowk on his bicycle, said, "While many people, especially schoolchildren get late everyday as their vehicles get stuck, traffic officials are always too busy imposing fines to manage the flow of traffic."
{{/usCountry}}Hira Lal, a gardener who often commutes from the chowk on his bicycle, said, "While many people, especially schoolchildren get late everyday as their vehicles get stuck, traffic officials are always too busy imposing fines to manage the flow of traffic."
{{/usCountry}}Many commuters are being forced to take longer routes, which wastes time, while pressure horns are used, causing severe noise pollution.
Apart from the chaotic traffic, potholes too have upset the commuters, who allege that whenever someone asked the municipal corporation (MC) officials about the potholes, they had only one answer - "Best efforts are being made. And no potholes will be seen in a few days."
Ravinder Kumar, a traffic police official, agreed that the construction was causing troubles, but he and his team were doing their "best" to manage the traffic.
"We have deployed well-trained traffic officials, who ensure that there are no jams. We also divert the traffic in a smooth manner whenever required," he claimed.
People Speak:
I feel really bad when I see ambulances being neglected in the traffic chaos. Kunal Bajaj, hotel employee
Deployed traffic officials are more interested in imposing fines than managing traffic. Hira Lal, local gardener
Locals have to use longer routes that waste a lot of time. Bakhtawar Singh Dhillon, businessman
Official Speak:
Well-trained traffic officials have been deployed to manage the traffic. Ravinder Kumar, traffic official