Waterlogging, traffic jams across city continue to haunt residents

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 11

Waterlogging after heavy rainfall led to heavy traffic jams on several roads, including the elevated road, here on Saturday. Vehicles were seen stuck for hours. An ambulance was also seen stuck near Mall of Amritsar.

Almost all main roads get flooded even after a moderate rain which results in traffic jams. However, traffic police officers say breakdown of vehicles on inundated roads creates traffic jam.

Commuters have been facing inconvenience due to routine jam on the elevated road. Rainwater has been accumulated near the slopes of the elevated road. It slows the speed of vehicles at exit points.

Due to poor management by mall authorities and inadequate parking space, visitors park their vehicles on the roadside. Vehicles owners have to wait for the parking space outside the mall entrance. It also causes traffic jam on the elevated road. The suffering has been increased during the rainy season.

Moreover, the government has been installing lifts on the elevated road under Bus Rapid Transit System. The debris and machines lying on elevated road also lead to traffic congestion.

Ramanjeet Singh, a resident, said, “Earlier, the traffic movement was smooth on the elevated road but now the elevated road witnesses routine traffic jam due to poor management. The authorities concerned have failed to drain the stagnated water near the slopes of the elevated road during last two weeks.”

“Though the traffic police are deployed at every chowk but they appear to be helpless. Road infrastructure is faulty. There is no end to traffic jams here,” said Rajveer Singh, city resident.