Bhopal: The Sakshi Dhaba junction, once a three-way intersection, has evolved into a busy four-way square following the construction of the four-lane road in the area. Although traffic signals have been installed to streamline vehicular movement, congestion remains a persistent issue, particularly on the left turn leading towards Kerwa Dam Road.
Bottleneck Causes
The bottleneck is largely attributed to vehicles queuing up at a CNG refilling station located right at the junction. The situation is further aggravated by a Ratibad police checking point set up adjacent to the CNG station, leaving little room for smooth traffic flow.
The junction has also emerged as a commercial activity hub. While the CNG station occupies one side of the square, a liquor shop operates on the opposite side, often resulting in long queues of vehicles spilling onto the main carriageway during peak hours. Adding to the congestion are several roadside establishments, including snack stalls, a scrap dealer's shop and two restaurants, which attract a steady flow of visitors. Vehicles parked along the roadside near these establishments further narrow the available carriageway, compounding traffic snarls at the busy intersection.
Reckless Driving and Safety Risks
To make matters worse, many motorists enter the wrong lane to take shortcuts, posing a serious risk to fast-moving vehicles on the four-lane stretch. Traffic officials said the trisection has now become a key junction linking urban and rural areas.
Resident Concerns
Local resident Abhishek Sinha said that traffic volume and vehicle speeds have increased considerably since the road was widened into a four-lane corridor. He pointed out that several prominent schools and colleges are located in the vicinity, resulting in a large number of school and college buses passing through Sakshi Square during morning and afternoon peak hours.
Sinha said Ratibad police have set up a checkpoint at the junction to regulate traffic and keep a watch on crowds gathering near the liquor shop and other commercial establishments, particularly during evening rush hours. However, he noted that long queues of vehicles waiting to refill CNG frequently spill onto the main carriageway, obstructing the left turn towards Kerwa Dam Road.
He added that after the installation of traffic signals at the square, commuters intending to take the left turn are often forced to wait behind the queue of vehicles blocked by the CNG station traffic. As a result, even vehicles that would otherwise move freely on the left turn have to wait for the signal to turn green, adding to congestion at the junction.
“After Neelbad Square, it has become the busiest junction between Bhadbhada and Ratibad on the four-lane road,” he said.
Police and Authorities Respond
A senior officer from Ratibad police station admitted that traffic in the area increased manifold. He said that due to its proximity to Kerwa and Kaliasot Dams, most vehicles pass through Sakshi Dhaba Junction. “The restaurants that have come up along the Kerwa Dam Road attract people from across the city, so the traffic volume remains high throughout the day,” he explained.
Additional DCP (Traffic) Basant Kaul said traffic police have taken up the issue with senior officials of the concerned construction agency, pointing out the problems. He said the agency has acknowledged the shortcomings and assured police that a proper Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be prepared and necessary infrastructure improvements would be undertaken to scientifically develop the junction and ease traffic congestion.
