In an effort to improve road safety and ease traffic congestion, a team from Delhi surveyed NH-44 and the Bhogpur highway in Jalandhar and the team inspected several stretches to identify traffic-related problems and suggest changes to the existing system.
The survey covered the stretch from Khajurla to Vidhipur, with a special focus on wrong-side driving, illegal cuts in road dividers, unsafe pedestrian crossings and regular traffic jams.
One of the key issues discussed was the entry of vehicles onto the highway from the wrong side near a petrol pump at Vidhipur and the team discussed stopping this entry to prevent accidents and ensure smoother traffic movement. Changes to U-turn points, routes and entry and exit points connecting the highway with service roads were also discussed.
A final report containing suggestions for improving traffic management and road safety is expected to be prepared by November 13.
Apart from the highway stretch, the team also inspected two major traffic points in Jalandhar: Pathankot Bypass and Lamma Pind Chowk, and both areas regularly witness traffic congestion, with vehicles entering from the wrong direction adding to the problem.
The team will also review the width of service roads, the location of U-turns and the entry and exit points along the highway. Based on these findings, a new traffic plan will be prepared.
The service roads are used by around 2 lakh people in the city every day, however, commuters continue to face several problems, including damaged roads, unsafe divider cuts, poor street lighting and open drains.
Meanwhile, three important infrastructure projects in Jalandhar, being undertaken as part of a road safety initiative worth around ₹540 crore, are still awaiting completion, and the delays are also affecting traffic movement at several points.
The first project is the Chaher Underpass and Bridge. While the main structure has been completed, the installation of slabs over the railway line is still pending.
The second project is an extension bridge near Akshardham Temple. Earlier, six lanes of traffic had to merge into a four-lane bridge, often leading to congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. The extension bridge is being constructed to address this issue, and around 60% of the work has been completed.
The third project is a steel bridge near Chak Jinda. Construction had remained stalled for a long time but has now resumed. However, work is progressing slowly, and the bridge is expected to become operational next year.
A meeting of the District Road Safety Committee will be held at the Deputy Commissioner's office on November 13 and the meeting will review the road safety work carried out by the Highway Authority and discuss issues that still need to be addressed.
The office of Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia has also sent letters to members of the public regarding the meeting, Mayor Vaneet Dhir had earlier got service roads constructed near Aman Nagar and Transport Nagar using Municipal Corporation funds, despite these roads falling under the responsibility of the Highway Authority.
Problems such as damaged service roads, open drains and non-functional streetlights are also expected to come up during the meeting.
The proposed traffic plan and the committee's review are expected to identify the changes needed to reduce congestion, improve road conditions and make daily travel safer for Jalandhar residents.