Jaipur Aims for Smoother Traffic Flow with Signal-Free Intersections
Engineers from the Jaipur Development Authority are taking decisive action to tackle traffic congestion. They have started marking several busy intersections located beneath elevated roads, railway overbridges, and flyovers. The goal is clear: transform these spots into signal-free zones to improve vehicle movement across the city.
Learning from Delhi's Success
This initiative follows a recent high-level meeting where officials examined similar projects that worked well in Delhi. The new JDA commissioner, Siddharth Mahajan, gave clear instructions earlier. He told engineers to prevent unnecessary congestion at intersections under flyovers, elevated roads, and RoBs.
A team of six engineers has already visited Delhi. They studied the mechanism of signal-free crossings designed by the Delhi Development Authority. Now, back in Jaipur, they are identifying problematic intersections. The plan involves making them signal-free by constructing rotaries, u-loop turnabouts, or slip lanes.
Current Signal-Free Crossings and Future Plans
Jaipur currently has two signal-free crossings. Laxmi Mandir Tiraha on Tonk Road was the city's first. The JDA also made the B2B Crossing on Tonk Road signal-free. The previous Congress government decided to make a few other crossings signal-free, including Rambagh Circle. This decision aimed to create a completely signal-free stretch of Tonk Road between Ajmeri Gate and B2B Bypass cross.
Officials now have immediate plans. They want to make OTS Chauraha signal-free as soon as possible. This intersection is considered one of the busiest in the city. In addition, all intersections below elevated roads, flyovers, and RoBs will also become signal-free.
Challenges and Cost-Effective Solutions
A senior JDA official highlighted a major obstacle. The metro railway presents a significant hindrance to new traffic-related constructions. The government prioritizes metro connectivity to reduce traffic congestion. This creates a clear problem: the JDA cannot construct any traffic infrastructure without consent from the Jaipur Metro Railway Corporation.
The fate of a proposed elevated road over Jhalana Bypass hangs because of this issue. However, officials see a silver lining. These signal-free projects with only rotaries or u-loop structures are cost-effective. If needed, authorities may remove them in the future without huge financial loss.
The overall strategy focuses on practical, adaptable solutions. Jaipur is moving step by step to ease its traffic woes, drawing inspiration from proven models while navigating local constraints.
