Traffic congestion is the most glaring problem that the city faces today. It is not just the city residents but outsiders too feel that the city needs to have a proper traffic regulation system.Traffic problem has assumed alarming proportion in the past few years and keeping in mind the teeming millions, growing vehicles, and concrete jungles, it is high time the municipal corporation pulled up its socks. The growth of roads and flyovers is almost negative in the past decade as compared to the number of encroachments. Though the city has a large number of railway crossings, having railway over bridges (ROB) is the need of the hour as a lot of time is consumed at these crossings. Apart from controlling traffic in the city, installing traffic lights at all important locations in the city is the need of the hour. It will also help in reducing accidents. It has been seen that at many points in the city, either traffic lights do not function properly or they are not visible due to the presence of advertising banners. With the mushrooming advertising boards in the city, drivers get distracted which results in accidents.Many places in city do not have traffic lights and at a few places including the Ferozepur road, there is a problem of plenty. Traffic lights must work on good back up or use solar energy so as to make streetlights function during the night which will help in reducing road accidents. Many multistorey buildings in the city have come up like commercial complexes, malls, marriage palaces, schools, hospitals are unable to take the load of there personal occupants’ vehicles, what to talk of visitors or customers! Parking in basements is missing in many buildings. If at all a building has, then they are not being used for this purpose. Instead the front space of many buildings meant for parking is either covered or being used for other commercial purposes. Bumpy roads also contribute to traffic congestion. Many roads and service lanes can easily be widened after coordinating properly with the forest department and electricity department. The role of the government is to ensure that various projects that are initiated should be completed in time. Roads connecting the Ferozepur Road to Pakhowal Road via Lodhi Club, Flyover at Lakkarpul in Civil Lines, Ferozepur Road closed in front of Westend Mall need to be completed at the earliest. Keeping in mind the metro and the financial status of Ludhiana, many foreigners visit the city. Owing to the absence of an airport, they come via train, the moment the reach station they get disturbed to see the pathetic condition of roads, pollution and traffic congestion. Now we can imagine what kind of image they carry of the city! Where do we lack? * There must be a master plan for the city. * Special emphasis should be given to traffic and transportation. * Instead of so many agencies (like PUDA, GLADA, IMPROVEMENT TRUST, LMC) to control infrastructure, there should be single agency like Ludhiana Metropolitan Agency. * Public must follow traffic rules and should be adhered to strictly. Sanjay Goel is the general secretary of the Ludhiana Architect Association
