Vadodara, February 18 – Despite multi-crore investments in constructing overbridges to ease traffic congestion in Vadodara, the problem persists as traffic signals installed underneath these bridges continue to cause jams. Concerns have been raised over the need for a survey to analyze the root cause of the congestion.
During Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s budget meeting, a BJP councilor from Ward No. 10 highlighted the traffic chaos under overbridges at Harinagar, Chakli Circle, and Yoga Circle. He stated that despite living in the area for 25 years, he had never witnessed such traffic issues before. He questioned the necessity of placing traffic signals beneath bridges, arguing that the signals themselves were responsible for the gridlock.
The councilor urged the municipal chairman to hold discussions with the city’s police commissioner to review the necessity of traffic signals under overbridges.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding narrow service roads near overbridges, where traffic lights force vehicles to halt, leading to long queues. A Congress councilor from Ward No. 1, who also serves as the deputy leader of the opposition, pointed out similar congestion at Mehsana Nagar and Chhani Jakat Naka, where traffic jams have emerged in previously smooth-flowing areas due to unnecessary traffic signals.
A female councilor further criticized the Atal Bridge, claiming that commuters at Yoga Circle often have to wait for 180 seconds due to the traffic light timing, leading to increased congestion. The landing area of the Atal Bridge has also reportedly become a hotspot for traffic snarls.
With mounting concerns from residents and local leaders, authorities may soon undertake a comprehensive traffic survey to reassess the placement of signals and the effectiveness of current traffic management strategies.
