Unauthorised pvt buses halt on Shanti Path, choke traffic

Jaipur: Traffic congestion has been mounting on Shanti Path as private buses continue to halt illegally to pick up passengers on the busy corridor, undermining efforts to decongest Narayan Singh Circle and slowing vehicular movement during rush hours.

During visits to the area Tuesday and Wednesday, TOI observed several private buses stopping on the roadside to board passengers. The frequent halts slowed traffic and created inconvenience for commuters, office-goers and pedestrians using the busy corridor.

Residents said the problem is particularly acute between 5pm and 8pm, when traffic from nearby offices, coaching centres and educational institutions converges on the route.

“Private buses frequently stop on the roadside without any fixed timing. They often halt whenever groups of four to five passengers are seen waiting or when commuters inform the driver in advance to stop there,” said a local shopkeeper.

Locals also pointed to a rise in the number of e-rickshaws waiting for passengers near the unofficial boarding point, further adding to congestion.

“Shanti Path is used by residents and students, and traffic congestion due to these buses leads to regular delays during office hours,” said Dependra Singh, a resident.

Residents recalled that shifting bus movement from Narayan Singh Circle to Shanti Path had initially helped ease congestion, but said the benefit has diminished as buses continue to make unauthorised stops along the route.

“Traffic movement improves temporarily whenever police personnel are deployed at the circle, but once monitoring decreases, the problem continues,” said Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Jawahar Nagar.

DCP (traffic) Yogesh Goyal said buses were redirected through Shanti Path towards Transport Nagar to reduce congestion at Narayan Singh Circle, but clarified that no halt has been authorised on the stretch. “Some buses do pick up passengers, but we have increased enforcement in that area to ensure that the problem is controlled. We will also conduct surprise inspections to check the movement of such buses,” he said.