Over 20 choking points throw traffic out of gear in Faridabad
The traffic movement in the city has gone for a toss, with the emergence of several choking or problem points in this industrial hub.
The situation has become an issue of concern in view of traffic management not corresponding to the growing infrastructure, according to police sources and local residents.
"While the condition of roads and traffic regulation at many points have led to congestion and jams, issues like waterlogging and inefficient drainage system have only added to the problem," says SK Sharma, coordinator of Road Safety Organisation, an NGO.
He said the death of two persons in a freak accident caused by waterlogging at an underpass on Friday night exposes the vulnerability of the system. The civic authorities must ensure proper and swift drainage of stormwater.
The main choking points include all three underpasses, Neelam flyover, Badkhal Chowk, Hardware Chowk, Pyali Chowk, Masjid Chowk, Sainik Colony, NIT areas, Bata crossing, Ambedkar Chowk and the service lanes of the national highway passing through the city, sources in the district administration said.
"A large number of complaints and distress calls are made during peak hours. Jams run up to an hour at some places," said Varun Sheokand, a resident. He said several cases of breakdown had been reported in the past few days due to waterlogging or traffic congestion.
Shortage of infrastructure and manpower are among the factors, said sources. The department of traffic police had only around 140 regular cops and around 400 Home Guard jawans to manage the traffic in the city with a population of over 18 lakh. The regulation of traffic has come under acute stress due to the lack of adequate staff and civic infrastructure.
Usha, DCP (Traffic), said traffic management was being undertaken with the available staff and infrastructure. The department kept writing to the civic authorities for the proper upkeep of roads and other infrastructure for the smooth regulation of traffic, she added.
