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Journalism of Courage
VADODARA, Sept 14: The city police plans to convert the Kalaghoda-Kothi road via Kirti Mandir and Aradhana cinema and the Kalaghoda-City telephone exchange into one-way. But, taking a leaf from the criticism it faced over an experimental diversion8217; in August, Police Commissioner Kuldip Sharma has invited objections and suggestions from the public on the plans.
All objections and suggestions have to be submitted to the police within 30 days of September 12, when the notification was issued. Objections will be heard after October 12. Talking to Express Newsline, Sharma said the step would be introduced with a view to easing the pressure on Kalaghoda, which had become the worst point for traffic jams. Traffic from the Vadodara Railway Station, Fatehgunj, Dandia Bazaar and Kothi have to use the Kalaghoda circle almost always.
Sharma said that final decision in the matter would be taken only after considering all the pros and cons and the public8217;s suggestions. 8220;It8217;ll be November before we can decide on the traffic diversion8221;, he added. In August, the police were forced to withdraw a seven-day experimental diversion of traffic on the same stretch after it came in for severe public criticism and protest from local leaders. Elected representatives in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation also opposed any change in traffic flow.
According to the new draft notification, the city8217;s busiest stretch will be one-way from 9.30 a.m. to noon and from 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. In the August experiment, the one-way timings were 10 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
