Commuting on NH 444-A a daily struggle

Nitish Sharma

The ongoing four-laning project on the Ambala-Saha road, coupled with haphazardly parked vehicles and auto-rickshaws on roads, has become an inconvenience for commuters.

Due to the obstructions caused on the Ambala-Saha road, which is the lifeline of the Cantonment, the traffic in the market area has increased manifold.

The four-laning project (a 14.84-km stretch on NH 444-A) was a long pending demand in Ambala Cantonment. The foundation stone of the Rs220-crore project was laid on March 7 last year, but the project gathered pace just a couple of months ago.

Abhay Singh, a local resident, said: “The project is going on at a good pace, but it seems there was lack of preparedness before starting the project. The drains were constructed along the road, but there is a gap between the road and the drain, due to which the available space can’t be used by commuters. There is one-way traffic at present and the contractor should have increased the width of the roads by filling the gap between the road and drains before starting the project. Absence of traffic police during late evenings leads to traffic jams.”

Pooja, another resident, said: “Due to lack of road sense, people park vehicles on roads despite knowing that the construction work is on and parking the vehicle may lead to traffic jams. Auto-rickshaw drivers further add to the woes. Haphazard parking, stopping the vehicle without indication, overloading and plying without number plates is common among auto-rickshaw drivers. Even the traffic police have turned a blind eye towards the menace, which often leads to traffic snarls on the road. The administration and the police must take adequate measures and provide relief to commuters.”

Karan Aggarwal, a local businessman, said: “The Ambala-Saha road is one of the busiest roads of Ambala, where long traffic jams are witnessed. Residents must follow traffic rules besides having some patience, as the project will provide relief in the coming years.”

An on-site engineer said: “The work has gathered pace just a couple of months ago. Efforts are being made to ensure that vehicular traffic is not disturbed and commuters do not face any hardship. While the construction work from the Ambala side has been started, the work of cutting trees has started from the Saha side. The project is expected to be completed in one and a half year.”

Deputy Commissioner Ashok Sharma said: “Directions have been issued to not leave any gap between the drains and road, so that the width is more and the traffic moves smoothly. Besides, directions have been issued to fill potholes and divert traffic, so that no traffic jam is witnessed. The traffic police have been directed to ensure there is no inconvenience to commuters on the roads. Things get difficult for commuters when it rains. I have also directed the SDM to visit the site daily and ensure that local residents don’t face any inconvenience.”

State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij said: “The officials and the contractor have been directed to carry out the work at a rapid pace and with caution. The four-laning project will provide relief to commuters from constant traffic jams. The NHAI authorities have been directed to pay special attention on the busiest 6-km stretch between Ambala Cantonment bus stand and industrial area and complete it on a priority.”