Dehradun's Chakrata Road Grapples with Escalating Traffic Gridlock
Traffic congestion has become a persistent and worsening issue in Dehradun, affecting the city across both tourist and non-tourist seasons. Among the most problematic areas, Chakrata Road stands out as a critical arterial stretch plagued by severe bottlenecks and delays.
Key Stretch and Local Impact
The nearly 10-kilometer section from Clock Tower to Premnagar serves as a vital connector for several bustling localities, including Yamuna Colony, Ballupur Square, and the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Commuters regularly encounter traffic snarls due to multiple factors, such as newly opened commercial establishments and ongoing civic projects that leave roads dug up for extended periods.
Residents and shopkeepers report that the situation has deteriorated significantly over recent months. Narayan Singh Rawat, a pharmacist in the Kishan Nagar area with over 30 years of experience, described the traffic management as the worst in decades.
"The number of vehicles has surged, but the roads have not been widened accordingly. Additionally, various departments frequently excavate the road for projects and fail to restore it promptly, leaving it in a damaged state without clear completion timelines," Rawat explained. He highlighted Bindal Square, Kishan Nagar Chowk, and the stretch toward Ballupur Square under the flyover as particularly congestion-prone spots.
Root Causes and Civic Concerns
Another resident, Jeevan Semwal, who lives near Ballupur Square, attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of official neglect and poor civic behavior.
"Departments often dig up roads and delay restoration, while many new showrooms allow visitors to park on the road instead of designated areas without enforcement. This lack of civic sense among motorists only exacerbates the problem," Semwal noted.
Calls for Immediate Action
Anoop Nautiyal, a city-based social activist and founder of the Social Development for Communities Foundation, emphasized the need for short-term interventions to alleviate congestion.
"The administration can provide relief by removing roadside encroachments to widen carriageways, enforcing lane discipline strictly, and holding departments accountable for timely road restoration after excavations. While large infrastructure projects will take time, these measures can be implemented immediately on Chakrata Road," Nautiyal urged.
Official Response and Coordination
In response to these concerns, SP (Traffic) Shahjahan Ansari stated that the traffic department is actively coordinating with the district administration and the state transport department.
"We have identified several bottlenecks across Dehradun and are addressing them through physical deployment of personnel and traffic diversions where necessary. We regularly share our assessments with departments responsible for corrective actions beyond our jurisdiction," the SP affirmed.
The ongoing challenges on Chakrata Road underscore broader urban infrastructure issues in Dehradun, highlighting the urgent need for integrated solutions to improve traffic flow and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
