Commuting on Jaipur's JLN Marg may soon become faster. After making the entire city of Kota India's first signal-free city, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the traffic wing of Jaipur Commissionerate are now considering turning the entire corridor from the south gate of Ramniwas Bagh Circle to Jawahar Circle into Jaipur's first signal-free road.
Blueprint and Consultation
Officials stated that after preparing a basic blueprint, JDA and traffic officials are now consulting traffic engineers and other experts to assess and work out implementation details. “Turning the entire stretch of around 9 to 10 kilometers into a signal-free zone is not that easy. You need to ensure all the pros and cons, including safe movements for pedestrians to cross the road. We have drawn up the basic blueprint and are taking suggestions and views from traffic engineering experts to implement the project,” stated a senior JDA official.
Initial Plan: Right Turns Stopped
As per the initial plan, right turns would be stopped at eight major signals along the stretch: SMS Marg crossing, Trimurti Crossing, Moti Doongri Crossing, JDA Crossing, Rajasthan University Tiraha, Bajaj Nagar Crossing, OTS Crossing, and SL Marg Tiraha. To maintain connectivity, authorities propose dedicated U-turn provisions on both sides of each crossing on JLN Marg. Vehicles that currently turn right would instead turn left and use the next U-turn as directed. Officials offered an example: if a vehicle from Bajaj Nagar needs to head towards OTS Chauraha, it would take a left towards Gandhi Circle and then take a U-turn to continue in the intended direction.
Challenge at OTS Chouraha
A key complication remains at OTS Chouraha. “The only concern is with the OTS Chouraha. Here we have the same plan. But recently the High Court has directed that we must construct the flyover as per our earlier plan. Land acquisition is a problem to construct the flyover. We would sort it out soon,” stated another official.
Urgency Due to Metro Construction
Traffic officials also link the urgency to anticipated congestion during Phase 2 metro corridor construction. “Although we are making the Tonk Road into a model corridor, still there would be huge pressure on JLN Marg. If the JLN Marg becomes signal-free, commuters would save a huge amount of time,” stated a traffic official.
