Businesses along the road are feeling the brunt of the ongoing construction work
The AK Azad Road, a vital arterial road connecting Paltan Bazar and Lokhra, has become a virtual battleground for residents and commuters, as multiple developmental projects undertaken by various departments have left it in shambles. But the concerning matter at present is that the users of the road are facing huge traffic congestion and confusing diversion.
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A resident of Kalapahar near Colony Bazar talking to GPlus said, “My house is just 50 meters from Battalion Gate towards Colony Bazar and that's a no-entry zone now. I have no other way to enter my complex. The police official assigned at the junction is issuing no entry fine challans every time I come from that area. He warned me that he will take me to the police station.”
Similarly, many commuters have various issues.
A resident of Lokhra, who travels to Paltan Bazar every day for work, talking to GPlus said, “From Jyotikuchi, because of pipe laying work and construction of culverts by PWD, there are frequent diversions till Lal Ganesh,” adding that he travels in public transport and mostly shared taxis (Magic), but the way the drivers drive is very risky. He further explained that because of the diversion from Barsapara, the vehicles should move from Dhirenpara to Ambari and reach Cycle Factory thereafter reaching Bishnupur, and from Chabipul reach Sharabbhatti. “But to save fuel, the taxis after entering Barsapara take bylanes and reach Colony Bazar. From Colony Bazar there is again no entry so the vehicles further take a bylane and reach Cycle Factory and in the process create huge traffic jams,” adding that the diversions are not enforced properly by the traffic police. Moreover, the bylanes the vehicles take are in shambles making the ride further painful.
While going to Lokhra from Paltan Bazar there is no diversion as of now, but because of the diversion violation from the opposite sides there is huge traffic jam.
Businesses along the AK Azad Road are also feeling the brunt of the ongoing construction. "Our sales have plummeted since the construction began. Customers are hesitant to visit our shops due to the chaotic traffic and lack of parking space. It's affecting our livelihood," a shop owner in the area lamented. The public's dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs is palpable. "We understand the need for development, but it shouldn't come at the cost of inconveniencing the public. The authorities need to find a better way to manage these projects without disrupting our daily lives," voiced another resident. Despite repeated complaints from the public, there seems to be little respite in sight. "We have raised our concerns with the authorities multiple times, but it seems like our pleas are falling on deaf ears. The situation is only getting worse," expressed a frustrated commuter.
A traffic police official talking to GPlus said, “As the construction of flyover work progresses new routes will be chalked out accordingly. There are violations by some and we are accordingly imposing fines.” The official further said that gradually the enforcement at all the bylanes will also start. Once all the vehicles follow the suggested routes without violation, the scenario will improve. Talking about the local residents whose houses are near the diversions or no-entry zones, the official said that they have to cooperate for a few days and take a longer route to reach their destination, or else there will be traffic jam.
The scenario at AK Azad Road is because of the upcoming development projects, but the question continues to beg the answer: Was the project planned well so that the commuters are not harassed during the construction?