Festive jams grip Nagpur markets; residents question barricading, seek permanent traffic plan

As the festive season begins, shopping picks up in Nagpur's markets, but traffic jams on the roads deepen with it. Long lines of vehicles build up on routes leading to the markets, horns blare and parking turns haphazard. Even before Diwali shopping peaks, questions are being raised about the city's traffic arrangements and planning.

Vehicle pressure rises sharply during festivals in busy market areas such as Sitabuldi, Itwari, Mahal, Dharampeth, Sadar and Sakkardara. People are questioning the crowds, wrongly parked vehicles and the barricading of roads in these areas. Citizens say the situation is seen every year, but without a lasting solution the same problem keeps returning.

Haphazardly parked vehicles, the movement of goods vehicles and roadside encroachment hold up traffic in the markets. As a result, even a trip of a few minutes drags on. There is also concern that the movement of emergency vehicles may be affected by the jams. According to citizens, the administration and the municipal corporation hold review meetings before the festival and draw up arrangements, but this time people want not just temporary measures but a long-term system for parking and traffic.

Concern has also been expressed about the roads and traffic management around Kasturchand Park. Many vehicles heading towards Bhopal, Chhindwara and Jabalpur pass through this area. Closing roads or diverting traffic amid the movement of private vehicles and passenger buses could create additional pressure. A demand has been raised locally that before any road is closed, the capacity of alternative routes, the number of vehicles and the convenience of commuters be assessed. People say that barricading alone will not solve the problem and effective traffic planning is essential.

It has been suggested that, to reduce crowding in markets such as Itwari and Sitabuldi, an arrangement along the lines of Bhopal's New Market be introduced. This model involves barricading at market entry points and fixing time limits for vehicle entry. Giving priority to pedestrians in the market after the fixed time could help control crowds. However, before any such model is introduced in Nagpur, the needs of local markets, supply of goods, availability of parking and the consent of traders would have to be considered.

Office-goers returning home, families out shopping and small traders all bear the brunt of the jams. Citizens demand that the district administration, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and the traffic police together draw up a scientific and permanent strategy. It should include a parking system, timings for goods vehicles to enter markets, alternative routes and clear information on traffic diversions. A permanent parking policy is also being sought. People say effective steps must be taken in time so that the markets keep their festive buzz and citizens are not needlessly stuck in jams.