With no traffic management, danger lurks at city intersections

The unsafe intersections in the city continue to put people’s lives at risk even as the administration prefers to turn a blind eye to the problem.

The unsafe intersections in the city continue to put people’s lives at risk even as the administration prefers to turn a blind eye to the problem.

Chaos at the Urban Estate Chowk situated on the Rajpura road in Patiala on Saturday. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo)

The intersection to the heavily populated Phase 2 of the Urban Estate on the Patiala-Rajpura road is a classic example of the administrative apathy. Several fatal accidents have taken place at the intersection, but the authorities have failed to install traffic lights at the chowk.

Area resident Bhupinder Singh said he had a narrow escape on several occasion at the intersection. The situation worsens during the peak morning and evening hours when traffic from the Urban Estate and the main road converges at the intersection.

Similarly, SST Nagar intersection near Iqbal Hotel on the Patiala-Rajpura stretch is another black spot. The traffic flow to the area has increased manifold over the years with the development of the SST Nagar market. Several educational institutes are also located in this market.

Station house officer of the area Puneet Singh said better traffic management could avert accidents at the intersection.

The traffic situation worsens during peak hours in morning and evening when traffic from Urban Estate and main road converges at the intersection. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo)

The Lower Mall is another problem area as it witnesses heavy traffic due to its connectivity with the city’s internal area. The situation has worsened due to poor traffic management.

There are at least two intersections on the Lower Mall — one near the Sai Market and the other near Modi College — that should have traffic lights, said area resident Deepak Aggarwal. He said: “There are several schools and educational institutes in the area and the authorities should make efforts to manage traffic to avert mishaps.”

Danger zone

Intersection of Phase 2, Urban Estate, on the Patiala-Rajpura road

SST Chowk near Iqbal Hotel on the Patiala-Rajpura Road

Modi College chowk, Lower Mall

Sai Market chowk, Lower Mall

Modi Mandir chowk, Passi Road

NIS Chowk near Mohindra College

Suggestions:

Traffic lights should be installed to regulate traffic

Traffic cops should be deployed to check violation of rules

Speed breakers should be set up at several points

Encroachments on roads should be removed