In a significant move to address the perennial traffic congestion around Varanasi Junction, commonly known as Cantt railway station, the district administration and Varanasi Municipal Corporation have ramped up their efforts. The focus is on redesigning roads and improving lane separation, particularly along the service lane of the busy Chowkaghat-Lehartara flyover.
High-Level Inspection to Identify Solutions
On Sunday, a top-level team led by Divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam conducted an extensive on-ground survey of the problematic area. He was accompanied by Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal and Station Director Arpit Gupta. The inspection covered Mall Godam Road and surrounding zones in the Cantt area.
The primary goal, as stated by the divisional commissioner, was to find concrete ways to streamline traffic flow directly in front of the Cantt station. The aim is to provide much-needed relief from unnecessary gridlocks and ensure the smooth movement of all vehicles.
Key Directives for Immediate and Long-Term Relief
During the inspection, Commissioner Rajalingam issued specific instructions. He directed that unnecessary auto-rickshaws must not be parked on the main road. Instead, they should utilize the pre-existing path inside the railway boundary on the left side. The inspection also focused on two critical issues: the removal of illegal encroachments from municipal corporation lands and ongoing railway expansion works.
Officials explored developing Malgodam Road as an additional access route to the station platforms. Sites were also assessed for the potential widening of the service lane along the Chowkaghat-Lehartara flyover, a known bottleneck.
Municipal Commissioner's Push for Permanent Fix
Following the joint inspection, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal carried out a detailed review specifically targeting the jam problem under the flyover in front of the station. He closely observed the prevalent issues, which include:
- Widespread illegal encroachments.
- Irregular and haphazard parking of vehicles.
- Disorganised auto and tempo stands.
- Continuous traffic obstruction as a result.
Nagpal directed that encroachments in front of Cantt station be removed on a priority basis. He also called for strict action against vehicles wrongly parked under the flyover. For a lasting solution, he instructed officials to prepare and submit a suitable, practical drawing design proposal soon.
Emphasizing sustained action, the municipal commissioner directed officials to ensure regular monitoring in the area and to immediately remove any kind of disorder or illegal occupation. The inspection team included Assistant Municipal Commissioner Anil Yadav, Zonal Officer Mrityunjay Narayan Mishra, Smart City Chief Engineer Amarendra Tiwari, and other key officials.
This coordinated drive signals a strong intent by Varanasi's administration to finally decongest one of the city's most critical and chaotic transit points, promising easier commutes for thousands of daily passengers and residents.
