VIP movement leaves traffic in disarray
The VVIP movement in Panchkula and Chandigarh for Haryana Chief Minister’s swearing-in ceremony disrupted the traffic, causing inconvenience to daily commuters. The large security convoys for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-profile dignitaries resulted in long queues at several key intersections throughout the day.
The ceremony was held in Sector 5, Panchkula.
While the Majri chowk and Kalka-Zirakpur road in Panchkula remained jammed in the morning and afternoon hours, vehicles were left stranded as VIP movement started on the Housing Board road. Despite having issued guidelines for commuters to take de-tours and avoid the areas surrounding Sector 5, the Panchkula police failed to ensure a smooth commute in the city. Commuters found themselves stuck at crucial points such as Tribune Chowk and Transport and Housing Board light points.
The state government had pressed over 2,000 buses to transport BJP workers to the city. Buses came from Jhajjar, Kurukshetra, Gurugram, Sonipat, Kaithal and other areas. Those commuting from Panipat, Yamunanagar, Naraingarh and Kurukshetra reached the city from Barwala side, but got caught up in traffic jam near the Majri chowk adjacent to Sector 1.
DSP-level officers stood on the road to manage the influx of vehicles. The entrance of hundreds of buses from one side led to traffic congestion. As a result, the buses were redirected toward the Kalka-Zirakpur road and this led to traffic chaos on the Zirakpur road and at the Sector 5 bus stand.
Bus drivers parked their vehicles on the road, as a result workers had to walk towards the venue. Many squatted on the road smoking cigarettes, while others had food on the roadside. Some workers who had brought their hookahs puffed them sitting on the sidewalks.
Traffic congestion was witnessed on the road near Sectors 17 and 18 on the Housing Board road as VIPs entered the city from Chandigarh. Police personnel blocked traffic movement with barricades and ropes. For many, a usual five-minute commute between two sectors became a drive of over 20 to 30 minutes.
The Sector 5 area was cordoned-off and the traffic movement was being turned away from Sectors 11, 4, 10 and 5 roundabout. The problem worsened during rush hours, as many motorists expressed frustration on social media, complaining of being stuck for long in unmoving traffic.
Some local residents criticised the lack of alternative arrangements, pointing out that proper planning could have lessened the inconvenience. The chaotic situation lasted well into the evening as the dignitaries started departing from the city.
Meanwhile, those who had come to attend the ceremony could be seen taking the posters of BJP and NDA leaders that had been put up on chowks and light poles in Panchkula and Chandigarh.
