Heated Exchange in Rajasthan Assembly Over Traffic Management and CCTV Camera Installation
A fiery confrontation unfolded during Question Hour in the Rajasthan Assembly on Tuesday, with Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedam engaging in a sharp debate over persistent traffic congestion on NH48, specifically the Kishangarh highway, and the government's proposed measures to address it through enhanced surveillance.
Congress MLA Raises Concerns Over NH48 Congestion
The discussion was initiated after Congress MLA Vikas Chaudhary demanded detailed information on the steps being taken to alleviate severe traffic bottlenecks on NH48 and in the Kishangarh area. In his response, Minister Bedam outlined the state government's strategy, announcing plans to install approximately 2,000 CCTV cameras in a phased manner as part of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS).
"We are systematically deploying 2,000 cameras to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforcement across highways and urban centers," Bedam informed the legislative assembly, emphasizing a structured approach to modernizing traffic control.
Opposition Leader Questions Implementation and Adequacy
Jully immediately challenged both the sufficiency and the execution of the plan, pointing to previous commitments. "Last year, you promised to install 2,000 cameras in Jaipur alone. How many have actually been operationalized so far?" he questioned, adding that "2,000 cameras are insufficient; Jaipur itself requires that number to effectively manage its traffic woes."
Government Details Traffic Reforms and Kishangarh Measures
Bedam defended the administration's efforts, stating that traffic reforms were being implemented methodically. "Serious initiatives are underway to resolve congestion issues. We have conducted thorough surveys and deployed additional personnel where necessary," he asserted.
Elaborating on specific actions taken in Kishangarh, Bedam highlighted several key interventions:
- Introduction of one-way traffic on Paliyawal Road in the marble district to streamline flow.
- Closure of cuts on the Madanganj link road using barricades to prevent unauthorized access.
- Establishment of no-parking zones within a 50-metre radius at major intersections to reduce obstructions.
He explained the unique challenges faced by Kishangarh, noting that "as Asia's largest marble market, the town experiences heavy congestion not only from local traffic but also from vehicles traveling between Jaipur, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Beawar."
CCTV Camera Deployment and Budgetary Allocation
Bedam further disclosed that 10 CCTV cameras have already been installed between Dudu and Kishangarh, serving as an initial step. "Under the Budget 2026–27 announcement, approximately 2,000 cameras will be installed statewide at a cost of Rs 100 crore," he confirmed, underscoring the financial commitment to the project.
Opposition Demands Tangible Results Over Promises
Despite these assurances, Jully remained skeptical, insisting that announcements must lead to visible improvements. "The public seeks relief from traffic jams, not repeated promises and delayed implementations," he remarked, pressing for accountability and faster action to address the daily inconveniences faced by commuters.
The exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions and the urgent need for effective traffic management solutions in Rajasthan, particularly on critical corridors like NH48.
