Residents of Malerkotla are facing an unprecedented traffic crisis as thousands of outstation vehicles passing through the city have turned daily commutes into nightmares. The situation has reached breaking point with local authorities struggling to manage the constant flow of traffic that chokes the city's main arteries.
The Daily Gridlock: A City Under Siege
The problem stems from Malerkotla's strategic location along National Highway 953, which connects it to major cities like Ludhiana and Sangrur. Over 5,000 outstation vehicles pass through the city daily, creating bottlenecks that paralyze movement for hours. Local shopkeepers and residents report that what should be a 5-minute journey now takes over 30 minutes during peak hours.
The worst affected areas include the main bus stand, railway station approach roads, and the crucial link connecting Malerkotla to Ahmedgarh. Even the internal city roads, designed for local traffic, are now bearing the brunt of heavy interstate vehicles that use them as shortcuts.
Residents Voice Their Frustration
Local businessman Harpreet Singh shares his daily ordeal. "I have to leave my home 45 minutes early just to reach my shop that's barely 2 kilometers away," he explains. The constant traffic jams are not just inconveniences—they're affecting livelihoods, with customers avoiding areas known for perpetual gridlocks.
School children face particular risks as they navigate through chaotic traffic to reach educational institutions. Parents have started accompanying their children personally, fearing accidents in the unruly traffic conditions. The situation becomes particularly dire during morning and evening rush hours when office-goers and students all hit the roads simultaneously.
Authorities Under Pressure for Solutions
While the administration acknowledges the problem, concrete solutions remain elusive. The traffic police department is stretched thin, with existing personnel insufficient to manage the ever-increasing vehicle volume. Residents demand better traffic management systems, including dedicated lanes for local and through traffic.
Some suggest that redirecting heavy vehicles to bypass roads could provide immediate relief. Others call for improved public transportation within the city to reduce dependency on private vehicles. The need for better infrastructure planning has never been more apparent as Malerkotla struggles with its growing importance as a transportation hub.
The crisis highlights the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning that balances regional connectivity with local quality of life. As one frustrated resident put it, "We're becoming victims of our own strategic location—something has to change before the city grinds to a complete halt."
