Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Motorists in Chandigarh may soon get relief from long waits at traffic signals and frequent traffic jams, with the Permanent Lok Adalat directing the Chandigarh Administration and Traffic Police to ensure that red light waiting time at intersections does not exceed 90 seconds, particularly on roads witnessing heavy traffic flow.
The court has specifically directed the authorities to reduce red light timings at every intersection on the stretch from Tribune Chowk to Sector 39 Grain Market Chowk.
It has also asked the authorities to consider switching off traffic signals or operating them in flashing mode during night hours when traffic movement is relatively low. Additionally, traffic police personnel have been directed to be deployed at major intersections during morning and evening peak hours to regulate vehicular movement and prevent congestion.
The directions were issued while deciding a petition filed by Chandigarh-based advocate Sukhwinder Singh. The Chandigarh Administration and Traffic Police have also agreed to the proposed measures.
The court has directed the Traffic Police to submit an action-taken report within 90 days, detailing the steps taken to implement its directions.
According to the response submitted by the Administration before the court, Chandigarh has a total of 105 intersections and traffic lights, which are being operated through three agencies.
RR Electronics manages 55 intersections, Sanco Electricals operates 10, while the remaining 40 are managed by Smart City Limited. The Administration also informed the court that around 19 lakh e-challans have been issued so far.
The petition was filed by Sukhwinder Singh on November 14, 2024. He had highlighted that prolonged red light timings at various roundabouts and intersections across the city frequently lead to traffic congestion, causing inconvenience to commuters.
The petitioner argued that long waiting periods at traffic signals not only waste commuters' time and fuel but also contribute to air and noise pollution. Vehicles often remain stationary with their engines running while waiting for signals to turn green, adding to pollution levels.
He had urged the authorities to reduce traffic signal timings and introduce manual operation at selected intersections wherever required. The petition also sought the closure of traffic signals during night hours when traffic volume remains low.
With the latest directions, the court has called for improved traffic signal management to ensure smoother vehicular movement and reduce unnecessary waiting time for commuters across Chandigarh.
