Encroachments, autos in old city markets bane of city commuters

The old city markets in Ludhiana are facing the perennial problem of traffic bottlenecks due to encroachments by shopkeepers and roadside vendors. The old markets are already situated in congested lanes with material kept on roadside, which hinders the movement of vehicles. But despite being a long-standing issue, the authorities concerned have failed to find a lasting solution, leaving commuters in trouble.

Another issue that is plaguing the city traffic is the rising number of autorickshaws and their illegal stoppages along road sides. Besides, many autos are running illegally in the city. The increasing number of ‘jugad rehris’ (motorcycle-engine fitted vehicles) to transport goods is also a serious issue which needs immediate action.

Now, as the temperature will go upwards, there will be more chances of fire incidents as well and in the absence of proper traffic management, even fire fighters will struggle to reach the accident sites. Most of the time it has been observed that fire vehicles get stuck in traffic jam.

A recent visit to the area revealed widespread encroachments in various markets, including Chaura Bazaar, Railway Road, Saban Bazaar, Daresi, Police Division No. 3 Chowk, Kambal Wala Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Meena Bazaar, Talab Bazaar, Bijli Market, Gurh Mandi and Ghas Mandi. In these areas, shopkeepers have extended their shops on to the roads, while roadside vendors have set up makeshift stalls, significantly narrowing the roads and causing traffic congestion.

Although the municipal corporation and traffic police have previously conducted drives to remove the encroachments, the problem persists.

Avinash Jain, a resident of Chander Nagar, expressed frustration with the authorities’ lack of seriousness in addressing the issue. He suggested that routine patrolling by the MC and traffic police officials would serve as a deterrent to offenders. “I’m not against anyone’s business, but shopkeepers and vendors must exercise restraint and not encroach on roads,” he added.

Another resident from Shivpuri, Anuj Sharma said, “The civic body officials repeat the encroachment drive almost every second day and remove the goods encroaching roads and makeshift vends, but things return to same situation the day after. Instead of repeating the action, the authorities need to come out with proper planning and provide a separate space to vendors, where they do not disturb the traffic.” He said vending zones were the need of the hour to avoid jams in these markets.

Manoj Kumar, a shopkeeper on Railway Road, acknowledged that some shopkeepers do encroach on roads, but argued that not all are guilty. Kumar claimed that some shopkeepers intentionally allow vendors outside their shops and charge them daily rent, which is illegal. Kumar said that many shopkeepers, like him, comply with the authorities’ directions and do not keep goods on the road.

Recently, Police Commissioner, Ludhiana, while commenting on encroachments had said that the police would not displace the roadside vendors suddenly as this may hit their employment, but on the condition that a vendor would agree to shift to a space provided with the help of the municipal corporation.

Ludhiana