Citizens called on the authorities to outline a comprehensive plan to solve the problem of traffic congestion in the city. Heavy traffic jams on city roads, especially after the launching of the sixth road flyover project on Benazir Bhutto Road (Murree Road), created a lot of problems for the masses of Rawalpindi.
Motorists said that they had to face inconvenience when they reached their destinations late, as traffic was not being regulated properly by traffic wardens on alternative routes being used by motorists.
Talking about traffic jams in the city, people from different walks of life said that Benazir Bhutto Road, Raja Bazaar Road, Bank Road, Buni Chowk, Said Pur Road, Peerwadhai Road, Tench Bhatta, 22 Number Chungi were among the busiest roads in Rawalpindi, but due to traffic jams, which had become a routine matter on these roads, citizens had to suffer.
A shopkeeper Farman Ali said, “Due to traffic jams on Moti Bazaar Road our business gets affected as customers, especially females do not come to these crowded markets.”
Encroachment by owners of motorcycle showrooms on Circular Road and illegal commercial activity there had led to these traffic jams.
The lack of traffic signals in Raja Bazaar and other important junctions in the city also created traffic problems.
“Traffic wardens do not perform their duties properly on several chowks,” said a motorist.
Citizens urged the authorities to ensure strict checking of violation of traffic rules, particularly on Benazir Bhutto Road. Commuters faced traffic problems on the congested Murree Road, especially from Mareer Chowk to Chandni Chowk due to the heavy traffic, traffic mismanagement and blatant violation of rules.
A motorist, while underlining the need for collective efforts to confront traffic challenges, said that strict adherence to traffic rules can resolve the problem. He said that traffic wardens should utilize their energy to regulate traffic.
The mounting surge in population and expansion of the city had affected the traffic system. A growing number of vehicles had also deteriorated the system, which needed serious attention, he observed.
He said that City Traffic Officers and traffic wardens should evolve a comprehensive strategy to meet present challenges. Drivers should also be guided regularly at traffic signals regarding the observance of traffic rules and lanes.
Asif, a government servant, said, “Traffic violations could result in serious consequences that should not be overlooked, modern technology should be used to check infringement and violators should not be spared.” “The traffic on Murree Road tests the nerves of commuters,” Atif, a commuter, said, “We daily face a huge traffic mess, particularly during peak hours.”
The Committee Chowk underpass and Chandni Chowk Flyover on Murree Road could not help control traffic jams, mainly due to incorrect parking practices of motorists.
Five to 10 minute wait at all main traffic signals is a routine matter on Murree road, said Tahir, adding traffic problems on Murree Road could only be addressed through strict observance of rules.
