RAWALPINDI: The burgeoning population and rapid urban expansion in Rawalpindi have led to a surge in vehicular traffic, resulting in unprecedented congestion across the city’s arterial roads and commercial hubs.
With millions of vehicles crowding the streets daily, commuters face recurrent traffic snarls, exacerbating travel times and fuel expenses.
Authorities attribute the escalating traffic woes to a myriad of factors, including unchecked encroachments, inadequate road infrastructure, rising population density, and rampant violations of traffic laws. Despite efforts by the City Traffic Officer (CTO) and his team of over 1,100 traffic wardens to maintain traffic flow and penalize violators, the problem persists.
Encroachments, particularly in areas like Raja Bazaar, Kohati Bazaar, and Circular Road, exacerbate congestion, hindering pedestrian movement and exacerbating traffic bottlenecks. While initiatives like making Murree Road signal-free have alleviated traffic burdens in some areas, congestion persists at critical junctions such as Qasr-e-Shireen and Committee Chowk underpass.
In addition to enforcement measures, residents emphasize the importance of infrastructure development and urban planning to address traffic woes effectively. Proposed solutions include the completion of projects like the Rawalpindi Ring Road, which aims to divert traffic from congested routes and enhance connectivity across the city.
Furthermore, residents call for the expansion of the public transportation system, citing limited availability of modern transport options as a contributing factor to traffic congestion. Projects like the Metro bus have helped ease the burden on city roads, but further investments are needed to meet the growing demand for public transport.
The business community also voices concern over the adverse impact of traffic congestion on commercial activities, highlighting issues such as illegal parking and encroachments in market areas. Calls for stringent action against encroachers and the construction of parking plazas underscore the need for comprehensive urban management strategies.
In response, the district administration pledges to expedite projects aimed at easing traffic congestion, including the Rawalpindi Ring Road. With the support of the Punjab government, efforts are underway to complete critical infrastructure projects and implement measures to mitigate traffic woes, aligning with broader development objectives.
As Rawalpindi grapples with the challenges of urbanization and population growth, collaborative efforts between government agencies, residents, and businesses are essential to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the quality of urban life.
