Daily commuting has become a major challenge for hundreds of students and residents near the Riddhi Siddhi crossing in Gopalpura, Jaipur, where ongoing flyover construction and a dug-up internal road have severely disrupted traffic movement.
Barricaded Roads and Longer Routes
The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has kept the nearby Keshav Vihar Road barricaded for nearly a month as part of a reconstruction project. This has forced commuters to take longer routes and navigate heavy congestion, significantly increasing travel time.
Impact on Coaching Students
The problem is particularly affecting coaching students, as several institutes operate along the stretch. With traffic diverted on the main carriageway and the internal road closed, many motorists are driving on the wrong side to avoid delays, increasing the risk of accidents. Residents reported that minor mishaps involving students have become common in recent weeks.
Slow Progress and Local Concerns
Local traders alleged that the work is progressing at a slow pace. Pawan Goyal, president of the Gopalpura Bypass Vyapar Mandal, stated that the road was dug up before the monsoon with assurances that repairs would be completed quickly. “Both ends of the road have been barricaded. Even pedestrians are struggling to pass through. Coaching students and families living behind the stretch are facing daily inconvenience,” he said.
Student Voices
Students expressed that the disruption has affected their routine and safety. “Earlier, I could simply walk to class through this road. Now, because the route is blocked, I have to take an e-rickshaw even for a short distance,” said coaching student Tanisha Meena, who lives in a nearby PG accommodation. Another student, Harshita Sharma, noted that traffic chaos worsens during peak hours. “In the evening, the entire stretch gets jammed. Many vehicles suddenly come from the wrong side, and students walking on the roadside have to be extremely careful,” she said.
Residents' Frustration
Resident Rajesh Verma said people were not opposed to development work but expected faster execution. “Residents are dealing with dust, traffic, and constant inconvenience every day,” he said. Residents fear the situation may worsen further during the monsoon if work remains incomplete.
