In a step towards improving road safety, the Jalandhar Administration has identified 56 accident-prone blackspots across the district and ordered immediate corrective measures. Chairing a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal directed all departments to fix these vulnerable points within a week and submit a detailed status report.
Recently, True Scoop conducted a reality check on 13 chowks inaugurated under the ITMS Phase I project, highlighting several lapses in the city’s traffic management system. The ground report revealed that only four out of the 13 chowks have properly functioning traffic lights, with several junctions either completely dark or operating manually — raising serious questions about the system’s maintenance and effectiveness. The issue has now reached the administration’s attention, prompting the DC to order a district-wide survey of all traffic lights by October 27.
During the meeting, Dr. Aggarwal emphasized that safety measures cannot be delayed and directed departments to install temporary warning boards at blackspots until permanent infrastructure is completed. The identified locations include 24 in Jalandhar-I, 11 in Jalandhar-II, nine in Shahkot, eight in Nakodar, three in Phillaur, and one in Adampur. The list was prepared after an inter-departmental analysis of accident data and on-ground surveys.
In a major development, the administration also approved the installation of new traffic lights at Kishangarh Chowk—a key junction on the National Highway known for frequent accidents—at a cost of Rs 12.86 lakh. The initiative is aimed at ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing collision risks.
Dr. Aggarwal also reviewed traffic congestion points at Bhogpur, Adampur, and Focal Point, instructing police officials to crack down on unauthorized parking and ensure road discipline, especially during the festive season. The NHAI has been asked to install blinkers and reflectors at stretches where service lanes merge with highways, enhancing night visibility and driver safety.
The DC further advised the Education Department and Traffic Police to stagger school timings by 10–15 minutes to prevent traffic build-up near educational institutions during morning and afternoon hours.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sent a Rs 93-crore proposal for the repair and relaying of the road from Bidhipur Chowk to Phagwara, which includes an additional lane on the PAP flyover. Once approved, the project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity.
The meeting was attended by ADCs Jasbir Singh and Amaninder Kaur, RTO Amanpal Singh, and members of the District Road Safety Committee, along with officials from NHAI, Police, and the Municipal Corporation.