GUWAHATI: The much-anticipated Diljit Dosanjh concert at Sarusajai Stadium on December 29 is set to draw a massive crowd, necessitating a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth movement of people and vehicles.
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The traffic is expected to be huge with hundreds thronging to the venue for a thrill of the Punjabi rockstar’s music and performance. This may cause a ruckus and create traffic jams and congestion throughout the city. Without proper planning and management, the event can be a catalyst for a transportation disaster. The Guwahati Traffic Police, in collaboration with other agencies, have to devise a multi-pronged strategy to address the expected traffic congestion.
In this regard, we decided to talk to the traffic police authorities regarding this to get a hint of how everything is to be managed. Talking to GPlus, a senior traffic police official said, " We do not have any such pre-planned measures. We will need to see what can be done."
Even if stated to be winging it by the authorities, below mentioned is a list of measures that can be undertaken for a smooth flow and function of the concert.
Pre-Concert Measures: Various pre-concert measures have to be undertaken to ensure smooth traffic movement towards the venue along with other areas.
Parking Arrangements: Designated parking zones have to be set up at strategic locations near the stadium to accommodate vehicles of attendees. Transport services have to be arranged to ferry people from these parking areas to the stadium and back.
Road Closures: Certain roads leading to the stadium may be temporarily closed or made one-way to regulate traffic flow and prevent bottlenecks.
Signage and Markings: Clear and prominent signage may be installed to guide attendees to parking areas and the stadium entrance.
Traffic Diversions: Alternative routes need to be identified and marked to divert traffic away from congested areas.
During the Concert: Major measures have to be undertaken by traffic personnel to avoid mishaps or roadblocks in the concert.
Traffic Control: Traffic police personnel should be deployed at key intersections to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion.
Crowd Management: Adequate security personnel should be stationed at the stadium entrance and within the premises to ensure smooth entry and exit of attendees.
Emergency Response: Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks must be stationed on standby to address any unforeseen situations.
Post-Concert Measures: Also, multiple measures after the concert need to be undertaken to facilitate smooth flow of traffic while returning. Some of these measures may include:
Phased Exit: The exit of vehicles from the parking areas has to be managed in a phased manner to prevent a sudden surge of traffic.
Traffic Clearance: Traffic police personnel must continue to monitor traffic flow and clear any congestion that may arise after the concert.
Public Transport: Additional buses and other public transport options must be made available to ferry people back to their destinations.
The traffic police may also utilise technology to monitor traffic conditions in real-time and adjust the plan accordingly. The public will be informed about the traffic plan through various channels, including social media, local news outlets, and public service announcements. Close coordination among various agencies, including the traffic police, municipal authorities, and event organisers, will be crucial for the successful implementation of the plan.