In a significant move to address the crippling traffic and security situation in Ludhiana's key industrial zone, the Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings (ATIU) has joined forces with the city's traffic police. A high-level meeting was held recently between ATIU representatives and ACP Traffic Jatin Bansal along with his senior team to chart a concrete action plan.
Dire Traffic Situation on Major Arteries
During the discussions, ATIU president Pankaj Sharma painted a grim picture of the daily gridlock affecting major city roads. He specifically highlighted the severe traffic congestion plaguing critical points like the GT Road, Dhandari Flyover, Sherpur Chowk, and Jiwan Nagar Chowk. The root causes identified were rampant encroachments and the pervasive issue of illegal parking, particularly by large commercial vehicles.
Sharma emphasized that trucks and trailers are often wrongly parked and abandoned for days on these vital routes. This not only creates massive bottlenecks and disrupts the flow of goods and commuters but also fosters an environment of lawlessness. These abandoned vehicles, he noted, have unfortunately become havens for anti-social elements and drug addicts, compounding security concerns in the Focal Point area.
Joint Survey and Agreed Solutions
Following the meeting, a joint team comprising police officials and ATIU members conducted a firsthand survey of the identified problem zones. This collaborative assessment led to a mutual agreement on a multi-pronged strategy to restore order.
The key solutions agreed upon include:
- Installation of necessary traffic signals and signboards, especially at the problematic Dhandari Flyover, to regulate and smooth traffic flow.
- Immediate removal of illegally parked and abandoned trucks and trailers by the police.
- Strict issuance of challans (fines) against vehicles violating parking norms.
- Deployment of additional police workforce at sensitive traffic points during peak office hours for better management.
Commitments from Both Sides
ACP Jatin Bansal assured the industrial association of prompt and strict action. He committed that the police would act immediately to clear illegally parked vehicles and enforce traffic rules rigorously. His promise to bolster manpower at crucial times aims to provide real-time relief during rush hours.
On its part, the ATIU, led by President Pankaj Sharma, pledged its full support to the police initiative. Sharma stated that the association would actively cooperate in providing security booths at key locations within the Focal Points. This measure is designed to strengthen overall security surveillance and management in the industrial belt, creating a safer environment for businesses and workers alike.
This coordinated initiative between Ludhiana's industrial community and the traffic police marks a proactive step towards solving the long-standing issues of congestion and security. The success of this partnership is keenly awaited by thousands of commuters and businesses dependent on the smooth functioning of the Focal Point area, a crucial economic hub for the city.
