Former minister and Gaya town MLA Prem Kumar has declared war on the city's perennial traffic congestion, identifying it as the most problematic aspect of urban life and promising a permanent solution as his top priority.
First-Hand Experience Sparks Urgent Action
The nine-time winner of the Gaya town seat revealed that his determination to solve the traffic crisis intensified after he personally experienced a grueling one-and-a-half-hour traffic jam near Panchaiti Akhada on Tuesday. This firsthand encounter with the city's transportation nightmare convinced him that immediate action was necessary.
Multi-Pronged Strategy Unveiled
Prem Kumar outlined a comprehensive approach to tackle the traffic menace, which includes several key initiatives. The wholesale grain and vegetable market will be relocated to the sprawling Bazar Samiti complex on the western outskirts of the city, a move expected to significantly reduce congestion in central areas.
The MLA acknowledged the embarrassing reality that Gaya, despite being an important pilgrimage and tourist destination, lacks proper traffic management infrastructure. He promised that work on installing traffic signals at all important points would begin within the next 30 days, along with the installation of sufficient CCTV cameras for effective monitoring.
Addressing Root Causes
Identifying the core problems, Kumar explained that being an old city, Gaya naturally has narrow roads and lanes. The situation has been exacerbated by indiscriminate encroachment, both temporary and permanent. The MLA confirmed he is in touch with concerned officials and a massive anti-encroachment drive will be launched soon to remove both types of encroachments.
When reminded about the failure of previous anti-encroachment drives, Prem Kumar assured that lessons from past failures would not be forgotten and this time the drives would be effective and lasting.
Infrastructure Development Plans
The former minister has also taken steps to accelerate infrastructure projects. He has asked Gaya DM Shashank Shubhankar to expedite land acquisition and compensation payment work to facilitate early start of Road Over Bridge (ROB) construction at the Bageshwari level crossing.
Additionally, Kumar has proposed a flyover between Kujapi and Railway Cinema Hall via level crossing number one near Gaya railway station, which would further ease traffic flow in one of the city's most congested areas.
The comprehensive plan also includes strict implementation of the one-way traffic system in congested and busy parts of the city, along with effective monitoring of the entire traffic management system to ensure sustainable results.
