"Experiments" confuse drivers

VADODARA, Aug 10: Chaos reigned on the city roads between railway police headquarters three-point junction, Sayaji Circle and Kothi Build...

VADODARA, Aug 10: Chaos reigned on the city roads between railway police headquarters three-point junction, Sayaji Circle and Kothi Building crossing on Monday following traffic diversions introduced on a five-day experimental basis by the city traffic police.

The ostensible reason behind the decision to make the distance between the railway police headquarters and Sayaji Circle and from Kalaghoda to the Kothi building one-way was to ensure free flow of traffic in the peak hours (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

The road leading to the District Collectorate and the Police Commissionerate from the railway police headquarters trijunction was closed to all traffic, causing immense problems to people.

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Vehicular traffic from Dandia Bazaar and Lalbaug to the railway police headquarters crossroads was diverted towards the railway station via the Jail Road and Kalaghoda.

Vehicles headed towards the district collectorate and the police commissionerate were also diverted via Jail Road, Kalaghoda and the road opposite the Baroda Medical College main gate, an additional one km drive.

The experiment, which had not been publicised, inconvenienced people tremendously. Drivers were stopped by traffic personnel around the Narmada Bhavan and SSG Hospital and directed on their way.

The confusion was particularly pronounced in the morning rush hours, as no vehicles coming from Kothi and bound towards the railway police headquarters were allowed to turn right. As confusion gave way to traffic jams, the police allowed right turns from the railway police headquarters junction on to Jail Road in the evening rush hours.

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Commuters in general did not appear to welcome the idea on Day 1. Several citizens complained to Express Newsline that the new system, apart from increasing fuel consumption, would promote pollution.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) A R Munshi said the new traffic system would remain in force till August 14. “We will perpetuate it if we find it helps smooth traffic movement. Otherwise we’ll discontinue it”, he said.